“The Terminator” (ターミネーター), Original Japanese First Release Nakazuri Movie Poster, B3 Size (c. 36 × 51 cm) O660
This is an original Japanese B3 nakazuri poster printed for the first Japanese theatrical release of The Terminator (1984), James Cameron’s landmark sci-fi action thriller—starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the unstoppable T-800, with Linda Hamilton and Michael Biehn. A defining 1980s genre film, The Terminator fused noir atmosphere, high-concept science fiction and relentless chase pacing into a cultural icon—launching a major franchise and cementing Schwarzenegger as a global star.
In Japan, B3 posters (also known as nakazuri) are smaller railway and bus-interior posters, roughly half the size of the standard B2, designed to hang from ceilings and inside carriages. Because they were printed in far smaller numbers and were usually discarded after use, surviving examples like this are highly collectible.
This size is much rarer than the B2, and it is the first time that we have had it in our gallery.
Film background
Set in a grim near-future defined by machine warfare, The Terminator sends a cybernetic assassin back in time to eliminate Sarah Connor—the woman destined to give birth to humanity’s future resistance leader—while soldier Kyle Reese follows to protect her. The film’s blend of time-travel paradox, cold-blooded pursuit and razor-sharp set pieces made it an instant cult classic, and it remains one of the most influential science-fiction action films ever made.
Poster design
A bold, high-energy Japanese campaign with unmistakable 1980s graphic impact. The composition centres on Schwarzenegger in black leather and sunglasses, framed by aggressive red laser-like streaks that radiate across a deep black field, turning the sheet into a visual “targeting system.” The metallic blue Japanese title 「ターミネーター」 anchors the bottom with futuristic weight, while a strip of inset action stills (gunfire, pursuit, and apocalyptic imagery) reinforces the film’s relentless momentum. A particularly desirable detail unique to this nakazuri is the bright yellow right-hand promo panel advertising tie-in publications—complete with miniature cover images—making it a perfect time-capsule of original-era Japanese marketing ephemera.
Rarity and condition
Nakazuri posters were never meant to be kept; they were disposable advertising ephemera for trains and buses, and very few survive today—especially for major titles like The Terminator. This is therefore an ultra-rare format for the film and an exceptional companion to full-size B2 one-sheets.
The poster is in excellent condition for its age (please refer to the imagery of the exact poster for sale).
It is over 40 years old.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
