“Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace” (スター・ウォーズ エピソード1／ファントム・メナス), Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1999, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) B177 A

This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1999 for the first Japanese theatrical release of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, written and directed by George Lucas and distributed in Japan by 20th Century Fox. It was the long‑awaited first chapter of the Star Wars prequel trilogy and the saga’s return to cinemas after sixteen years.

Film background

Set 32 years before the events of the original Star Wars, The Phantom Menace follows Jedi Master Qui‑Gon Jinn and his Padawan Obi‑Wan Kenobi as they protect Queen Amidala, encounter young Anakin Skywalker on Tatooine and uncover the shadowy influence of the Sith. The film mixed state‑of‑the‑art digital effects with large‑scale model work and introduced characters such as Darth Maul, Jar Jar Binks and a younger Palpatine. Despite mixed reviews, it was a massive worldwide hit and reignited global interest in the Star Wars universe.

Poster design

This Japanese B2 uses Drew Struzan’s famous international artwork, here framed by a black border with a Japanese tagline at the top that translates roughly as “Every legend has a beginning. The fiery eyes and tattooed visage of Darth Maul dominate the background, while a warm central glow highlights the painted portraits of Qui‑Gon, Padmé Amidala and young Anakin. Obi‑Wan brandishes his lightsaber at the lower right alongside Jar Jar, with R2‑D2 and C‑3PO standing near a Naboo starfighter. Japanese credits and the film’s stylised logo in English and katakana anchor the bottom, along with the Lucasfilm, THX and distributor marks that confirm this as an original theatrical piece.

This poster is in excellent condition (please refer to the imagery of the exact poster for sale).

It is over 26 years old.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.