“人類五十万年史 (Jinrui Gojūman Nenshi)” — Original Japanese Theatrical Poster c. 1950-1957, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) N140

“人類五十万年史 (Jinrui Gojūman Nenshi)” — Original Japanese Theatrical Poster c. 1950-1957, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm)

Distributor/Mark: 北欧映画株式会社 (Hokuō Eiga Co., Ltd.) with NEF diamond logo
Country: Japan | Format: B2 (51 × 73 cm)

Hokuō Eiga (北欧映画株式会社 / NEF) was a Ginza-based importer/distributor active 1950–1957. Founded by former Navy Commander 中筋藤一 (Tōichi Nakasugi) with Mitsui backing, it co-distributed with NCC, Toho, Shochiku, and Ōbei Eiga (later Herald), bringing Scandinavian, French, and Mexican films to Japan. In 1957 it merged with Herald and Taiyō Eiga; the NEF label ended and Nakasugi subsequently established 北欧商事株式会社 at the former HQ.

Film background
Marketed as a sensational “prehistoric spectacle,” 人類五十万年史 (“A 500,000-Year History of Mankind”) promised audiences an expedition through human prehistory—ape-men, primordial wilderness, and the “mysteries of nature.” Issued domestically by Hokuō Eiga (NEF).

Poster design
Powerful hand-painted montage with a towering “ape-man” at centre, vignettes of dinosaurs (brontosaurus and stegosaurus), cave dwellers, and a rearing bear, all against a dark, smoky ground. The bold vertical title logotype (人類五十万年史) dominates the right, with sensational copy running down both margins. Distributor credits line the lower edge beside the NEF emblem; artist’s signature “ASO” appears at lower right. Striking, high-contrast colour and dynamic brushwork give this piece classic mid-century showmanship.

Rarity
Posters for mid-century pseudo-documentary/prehistoric programmes were printed in modest numbers and heavily used; surviving examples in collectible condition are scarce.

This poster is in excellent condition. Please refer to the imagery (both front and back) as this is the exact poster that is for sale.

It is over 68 years old!

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.