“Strange Affinity” (触角 / Shokkaku), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1970, Title Calligraphy by Tarō Okamoto, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) ZA1268

An original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for Kaneto Shindō’s Strange Affinity, released in Japan by Toho on 3 June 1970. The green title calligraphy is by Tarō Okamoto, whose Tower of the Sun stood at the centre of Osaka’s Expo ’70 that same year. Okamoto’s printed credit appears in small white characters beside the lower title character.

In Excellent condition, with Okamoto’s vivid green brushwork sharply defined against the deep brown photographic montage.

Film background

Written and directed by Kaneto Shindō, the film stars Nobuko Otowa as Tamiko, a widowed music copyist who lives with her son Toshio. At a mountain lodge one winter, Toshio introduces his mother to his girlfriend, Yae (Kiwako Taichi). As the young couple grow closer, the two women become rivals for his affection. Otowa also plays Yuki, a woman whose resemblance to Tamiko unsettles Toshio.

Poster design

A face in dark glasses emerges between two sweeping silhouettes. A tiny motorcyclist crosses one lens, an image easy to miss at first glance. On the right, Okamoto draws the two characters of 触角 (Shokkaku, meaning “feelers” or “antennae”) in long, pointed strokes. Musical notation runs along the margins, echoing Tamiko’s work copying scores.

Beside a small colour portrait of the young couple, the Japanese publicity line reads
「母の女のなかで息子は性にめざめる　そのとき　母と恋人の間に何かが起る」
“Through the woman he sees in his mother, a son awakens to desire. Then something stirs between his mother and his lover.”

Condition

Excellent+ overall. Please review the front and reverse photographs for the full condition.

An original vintage Japanese theatrical poster from Toho’s 1970 first release.
Over 56 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.