Ultra-Rare Original Japanese B4 Speed Poster / Press-Sheet for "Harakiri (切腹)" (1962)
Size: B4 Speed Poster (Approx. 25.7 x 75 cm)
This is an original 1962 Japanese press-sheet / “speed” poster for the first domestic release of Harakiri (切腹) by Masaki Kobayashi. These vertical-format B4 speed posters were printed in limited quantities for local cinema display and distribution, making surviving examples extremely rare and highly desirable for collectors of vintage Japanese film material.
This piece features bold, red title typography combined with a stark black-and-white action shot of Tatsuya Nakadai, who stars as the rōnin Hanshirō Tsugumo. The reverse side includes illustrated promotional content and production details, typical of press-sheet issues of the period.
Key Features:
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Authentic 1962 first-release B4 speed poster, not a reproduction or reprint.
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Country-of-origin issue, printed in Japan by Shochiku for initial theatrical promotion.
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Rare vertical "speed" format, used for rapid display in local theaters.
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Front features dramatic portrait of Nakadai, while the reverse includes extensive press material, layouts, and character sketches.
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Condition is near excellent, with only minor signs of handling and aging appropriate to a 60+ year-old artifact.
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Certificate of Authenticity included.
About the Film:
Harakiri (切腹) is a cornerstone of Japanese cinema, revered for its bold criticism of feudal hypocrisy and its haunting storytelling. Set during the Edo period under Tokugawa rule, the film follows the story of a masterless samurai who requests to commit ritual suicide in a lord’s manor — revealing deeper truths about pride, poverty, and power. Directed by Masaki Kobayashi, written by Shinobu Hashimoto, and starring Tatsuya Nakadai, the film won Prix du Jury at Cannes (1963) and continues to be celebrated as a cinematic triumph.
It is over 63 years old!
This poster is in excellent condition for its age. Please refer to the imagery (both front and back) as this is the exact poster that is for sale.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
M26