“Love and Death” (愛と死), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1971, Komaki Kurihara / Katsutoshi Atarashi, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) — T60
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1971 first release of Love and Death, originally titled Ai to Shi. Produced and distributed by Shochiku, this design combines softly rendered sepia photography, expressive purple lettering and literary promotional copy.
Directed by Noboru Nakamura, the film stars Komaki Kurihara and Katsutoshi Atarashi, supported by Tadashi Yokouchi and Shinsuke Ashida. Taichi Yamada’s screenplay draws on Saneatsu Mushanokōji’s Friendship and Love and Death. The story follows a young researcher who falls in love with his closest friend’s girlfriend, placing affection and loyalty in painful conflict. Their developing relationship becomes a poignant exploration of youthful hope, separation and loss.
The upper section is dominated by a large sepia portrait of Komaki Kurihara, her face tilted upward and her gaze directed beyond the frame. The photograph fades into the pale background, giving the composition a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.
Below, a smaller full-length photograph shows the lovers embracing on a wet, reflective surface. Their reflections extend beneath them, while surrounding details recede into the open background. The contrast between the enormous individual portrait and the intimate scene of the couple gives the design much of its emotional strength.
The flowing purple title 「愛と死」 stretches across the upper section, providing the principal colour accent against the subdued photography. Nakamura’s director credit appears above it, while the cast, literary source and production credits are arranged along the bottom. Shochiku branding identifies the studio behind the release.
The poetic promotional text reads:
「愛はどんな風にして来たか それは照る日のように 花ふぶきのように来たか それとも 一つの祈りのように来たか……」
“How did love arrive? Like the shining sun, like a flurry of blossoms—or like a single prayer…?”
The restrained palette and sensitive photographic arrangement make this an appealing example for collectors of Komaki Kurihara, Noboru Nakamura, Shochiku cinema and Japanese literary adaptations.
Condition: Excellent.
Please review all photographs, including the front and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.
Japanese B2 format: approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Stock code: T60.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
About Japanese B2 posters
Japanese B2 posters typically measure approximately 51 × 73 cm and were produced for theatrical display. Their distinctive combinations of photography, illustration, typography and locally written promotional copy offer a fascinating record of how films were presented to Japanese audiences.
