“Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow”, Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1981, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) K226

This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1981 for the first theatrical release of Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow (機動戦士ガンダムII 哀・戦士編), the second film in the original Gundam movie trilogy. Released in Japan on 11 July 1981 and distributed by Shochiku, the film re-edits and expands the middle stretch of the original television series, covering the fierce battles with Ramba Ral, the Odessa campaign, Char’s return, and the lead-up to Jaburo. The official staff credits include Yoshiyuki Tomino as supervising director, Yoshikazu Yasuhiko as character designer and animation director, and Kunio Okawara as mechanical designer.

Film background

For many collectors, Soldiers of Sorrow is the emotional and visual centre of the original trilogy. It is the chapter in which Gundam fully crystallises its now-legendary blend of war drama, youthful trauma, military scale, and tragic rivalry. More than a simple compilation feature, it helped establish the franchise’s stature in cinemas and remains one of the essential theatrical works from the birth of the real robot era.

Poster design

This is a superb and highly atmospheric original release design. The composition is dominated by a monumental painted image of Amuro Ray walking forward with helmet in hand, backed by the immense looming forms of the RX-78-2 Gundam and a helmeted warrior figure behind him. The mood is sombre, heroic, and elegiac rather than explosive, which makes it especially distinctive among early mecha posters. The image also bears a printed “YAS.” signature at lower right, reinforcing its close connection to the visual world shaped by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko. In design terms, it is one of the most refined and emotionally resonant posters from the original Gundam theatrical cycle.

The small “PA 非売品” marking at lower left indicates that this was a non-sale promotional issue from the film’s original release campaign, adding a further layer of collector interest. In practical terms, it combines the importance of an original 1981 Gundam cinema poster with the additional scarcity of a period promotional sheet.

Condition

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

It is over 45 years old!

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.