“Willard”, Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1972, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) Q29

This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1972 for the first Japanese theatrical release of Willard (ウイラード), the cult American horror film directed by Daniel Mann and based on Stephen Gilbert’s novel Ratman’s Notebooks. Original Japanese posters for Willard are notably scarcer than posters for more mainstream studio horror titles of the period, and this example has particularly strong visual appeal thanks to its bold Japanese typography and unsettling rat-swarm imagery.

Film background
Released in Japan in 1972, Willard stars Bruce Davison in the title role, alongside Sondra Locke, Ernest Borgnine, and Elsa Lanchester. The film tells the story of a lonely, socially isolated young man who forms a bond with rats and gradually turns that relationship into a weapon against those who torment him. With its mixture of psychological unease, revenge narrative, and animal horror, Willard became one of the most memorable genre films of the early 1970s and later developed a substantial cult following. It also helped establish the rat-horror cycle that would continue with Ben.

Poster design
This is a superb original Japanese release design and far more visually dramatic than many Western campaign materials for the film. The upper half is dominated by a close-up image of Willard holding one of his rats, while the lower section descends into a dense, almost overwhelming mass of rodents, creating an immediate sense of menace. The brightly coloured katakana title cuts across the centre with tremendous impact, contrasting sharply against the dark background. Smaller inset figures and Japanese copy reinforce the film’s suspense and psychological tension. Overall, it is a striking and highly collectible piece of 1970s horror poster design.

Condition
Very Good / Excellent. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale. The poster presents very strongly overall, with rich colour and excellent display appeal. 

It is over 50 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.