“The Fearless Vampire Killers” (吸血鬼 / The Fearless Vampire Killers), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1968, B3 Size (36.4 × 51.5 cm) E3

This is an original Japanese B3 poster printed in 1968 for the Japanese theatrical release of The Fearless Vampire Killers, Roman Polanski’s cult horror-comedy starring Jack MacGowran, Sharon Tate, Alfie Bass, and Ferdy Mayne. Released in Japan under the simple and striking title 吸血鬼 (“Vampire”), this is a superb and highly unusual piece of late-1960s horror paper, combining sensational front artwork with a densely printed reverse filled with stills, cast information, and Japanese promotional text.

Film background
Originally released in 1967, The Fearless Vampire Killers is one of Roman Polanski’s most distinctive early films: a bizarre, elegant, and blackly comic reinvention of the vampire story that sits somewhere between Gothic parody and genuine nightmare. Set in a snowbound Transylvanian world of crumbling castles, eccentric professors, seductive vampires, and absurd danger, the film remains a cult favourite for its highly stylised atmosphere, its offbeat humour, and its unforgettable production design. It also occupies a notable place in film history as one of the key collaborations between Roman Polanski and Sharon Tate.

Poster design
This Japanese B3 is exceptionally characterful. The front uses a bold, collage-like design centred on a huge close-up of a woman’s face partially smothered by a grey hand, with torn-image panels revealing a screaming victim and a wild-eyed vampire. The snowy castle scene at lower left adds a Gothic note, while the white brushstroke title 吸血鬼 slashes dramatically across the composition. It is a striking, aggressive design with exactly the sort of lurid visual punch collectors want from 1960s horror advertising.

The reverse is equally appealing, functioning almost like a miniature programme sheet: packed with black-and-white stills, Japanese synopsis text, cast and staff listings, and further imagery from the film. That makes this example especially desirable, as it offers far more visual and historical content than a simple one-sided poster.

Condition
Very Good to Excellent. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.

It is over 57 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.