“Star Wars” (スター・ウォーズ), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1978, First Release, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm), Artwork by Seito B263 A

This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1978 for the first theatrical release of Star Wars (later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope), produced by Lucasfilm and distributed in Japan by 20th Century Fox. Featuring exclusive painted artwork by illustrator Seito, this is one of the most desirable Japanese Star Wars posters and a centerpiece for any saga collection. 

Film background
Written and directed by George Lucas, Star Wars follows Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and the droids as they battle the Empire and attempt to destroy the Death Star. A global phenomenon on release, the film transformed modern blockbuster cinema and went on to win multiple Academy Awards, with Japanese marketing proudly calling out its seven Oscar wins at the 50th ceremony. 

Poster design
Seito’s illustration reimagines the famous “Style A” composition: Luke stands heroically with lightsaber raised to the stars while Leia poses at his side, robes swirling in an otherworldly wind. Behind them loom Darth Vader’s spectral visage and the Death Star, with X‑wings streaming into battle at left and C‑3PO and R2‑D2 moved prominently to the foreground. Seito subtly adjusts the likenesses of Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher and refines the droids’ appearance to better match the film, creating a uniquely Japanese take on the classic image. Along the bottom, a gold Oscar icon and copy celebrate the film’s Academy Award haul, while the bold blue STAR WARS logo and red Japanese title 「スター・ウォーズ」 anchor the design. Seito’s signature appears near Leia’s feet, confirming this sought‑after art variant. 

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

It is over 45 years old.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.