“Thunderball” (サンダーボール作戦), Original First‑Release Japanese Movie Poster 1965, Ultra Rare, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) Q131

This is an original first‑release Japanese B2 movie poster for Thunderball, the fourth James Bond film and one of the defining entries of the 1960s spy‑adventure cycle. Released in 1965 and distributed in Japan by United Artists, the film continued the explosive international success of the Bond series, pairing large‑scale action spectacle with the franchise’s now‑classic visual language of glamour, danger and technological intrigue.

The Japanese title, サンダーボール作戦, appears in bold red lettering across the lower centre of the sheet, beneath the oversized yellow “007” numerals. 

About the film

Thunderball is one of the most celebrated Bond films of the classic era, notable for its underwater action sequences, tropical setting and high‑stakes nuclear blackmail plot. Based on Ian Fleming’s novel, the film helped cement the Bond formula at its grandest 1960s scale: exotic locations, advanced weaponry, elaborate set pieces and a charismatic central agent confronting an international criminal conspiracy.

The Japanese campaign emphasizes the film’s action credentials, with the top headline proclaiming:

「徹底したアクション！ご存知ボンドに迫る第4の危機！」

This promotional line presents the film as Bond’s fourth great crisis, aligning with its place as the fourth film in the series.

Poster design

This Japanese B2 uses a dynamic collage format characteristic of major 1960s international film advertising. The upper half is dominated by the central Bond image, with pistol raised and diving apparatus behind him, immediately linking espionage glamour with the film’s underwater action theme. To the left, Japanese vertical text identifies Sean Connery and the James Bond role, while marine imagery—boats, divers and weapons—extends the sense of aquatic pursuit.

At centre, the massive yellow “007” numerals form the poster’s strongest graphic device, sitting above the vivid red Japanese title サンダーボール作戦. To the right, the printed English credit block reads “SEAN CONNERY in IAN FLEMING’S THUNDERBALL — PANAVISION + TECHNICOLOR”, accompanied by additional character imagery and an aircraft vignette.

The lower section deepens the collage with scenes of danger and seduction: Bond and a female lead behind a lattice-like screen, an armed figure in white, a motorcycle sequence, and further action imagery. The composition is dense, theatrical and highly effective, combining Japanese typographic drama with the bold visual codes of 1960s Bond marketing.

Condition

Excellent condition, especially for a first‑release Japanese poster from 1965. The poster presents beautifully, with rich surviving colour, strong blacks, vivid red Japanese title lettering and bright yellow 007 numerals. The imagery remains sharp and highly attractive, with excellent display impact.

Please review the photos, including the front, back and close-up images, as they show the exact poster for sale.

It is an original 1965 first‑release Japanese B2 poster, not a reproduction or reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.