The Bad Sleep Well (1960) — Original Japanese STB Tatekan Poster
This is an original Japanese STB tatekan poster (approx. 20 x 57 in / 51 x 145 cm), printed in 1960 for the first release of Akira Kurosawa’s noir-infused masterpiece The Bad Sleep Well (悪い奴ほどよく眠る, Warui yatsu hodo yoku nemuru).
Starring Toshiro Mifune, the film follows a young man who rises through the ranks of a corrupt postwar Japanese corporation to avenge his father’s death. Loosely inspired by Hamlet, the film is both a gripping mystery and a sharp critique of corporate greed. It was the first production under Kurosawa’s own independent company and was entered into competition at the 11th Berlin International Film Festival.
This towering STB format poster — nearly 5 feet tall — features bold, atmospheric noir artwork that perfectly captures the film’s tone of brooding tension and moral decay. The tatekan STB format had much lower print runs than standard B2s, making originals like this exceptionally rare, especially for major Kurosawa titles.
This poster is in an excellent condition. Please refer to the imagery (both front and back) as this is the exact poster that is for sale.
There is a small tear (we have provided additional imagery) - this is completely covered when the two sheets of the STB poster are put together for display.
It is over 65 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.