Original Japanese B1 Movie Posters (72 × 103 cm)

Explore Japan Poster Shop’s exceptional collection of original Japanese B1 movie posters, featuring rare first-release theatrical artwork, historically significant large-format advertising and highly collectible Japanese cinema posters measuring approximately 72.8 × 103 cm (28.7 × 40.6 inches).

The Japanese B1 format is one of the most desirable and visually impressive formats in Japanese theatrical advertising. Measuring approximately twice the area of the standard B2 movie poster, B1 posters offer a remarkable combination of scale, artistic detail and historical significance.

Unlike standard B2 theatrical posters, which were widely distributed to cinemas throughout Japan, B1 posters were often produced in smaller quantities and intended for more prominent advertising displays. Their larger dimensions, comparatively limited distribution and demanding display conditions have contributed to the scarcity of surviving original examples, particularly early first-release designs and posters preserved in exceptional condition.

Japan Poster Shop has assembled an extensive specialist collection of original Japanese B1 movie posters, encompassing hundreds of examples across Japanese cinema, international filmmaking, animation, science fiction, horror, classic Hollywood and contemporary theatrical releases.

Of particular significance are our holdings of rare original Studio Ghibli B1 posters, including celebrated films such as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), Castle in the Sky (1986), My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Grave of the Fireflies (1988), Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), Porco Rosso (1992), Princess Mononoke (1997), Spirited Away (2001) and Howl’s Moving Castle (2004).

Original Japanese B1 posters for Studio Ghibli films are especially desirable among serious collectors. Certain early first-release designs, advance promotional variants and unused examples are exceptionally difficult to acquire, with their large format allowing the extraordinary artwork of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli to be appreciated on a remarkable scale.

Our collection also encompasses rare original Akira (1988) B1 theatrical posters, including important designs associated with Katsuhiro Otomo’s groundbreaking animated masterpiece. Original B1 examples from the film’s Japanese release campaign are particularly sought after for their cultural significance, distinctive artwork and comparative scarcity.

Other important areas include Star Wars, Godzilla, classic Japanese cinema and international science fiction, with rare original B1 posters featuring celebrated illustrations by artists such as Noriyoshi Ohrai (生頼範義). His monumental compositions are particularly compelling in the larger B1 format, revealing exceptional detail and dramatic visual impact.

Our holdings extend from vintage theatrical advertising to modern Japanese cinema, including rare first-release B1 posters, advance promotional designs, limited-distribution variants, unused examples and exceptionally scarce illustrated artwork.

The rarity of individual B1 posters varies considerably according to the film, release period, distribution and surviving condition. However, the most desirable early examples and unusual promotional designs can be significantly harder to acquire than their B2 counterparts.

Beyond their importance as film memorabilia, original Japanese B1 posters represent exceptional examples of Japanese graphic design, theatrical advertising and twentieth-century visual culture. Their generous dimensions make them particularly striking when professionally framed, while their historical significance gives them enduring appeal to serious private collectors and institutions.

Every poster offered by Japan Poster Shop is an authentic original, carefully sourced in Japan and individually researched, catalogued and photographed. We do not sell reproductions. All posters are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, with worldwide DHL Express shipping available from our gallery in Tokyo.