Scarce original Japanese B1 theatrical poster, 1973 first release
Size: c. 72.8 × 103 cm (approx. 28.7 × 40.6 in, B1) • Offset‑litho in full color on medium, lightly glossy stock • Issued for Toho Co., Ltd. (東宝)
Why this matters
Adapted from Sakyō Komatsu’s blockbuster novel, Submersion of Japan became the defining Japanese disaster epic of the 1970s—melding prestige drama with cutting‑edge tokusatsu effects. Large‑format B1s were printed in far smaller numbers than the common B2s and were usually pinned, folded, and discarded after playdates. Surviving examples—especially this striking horizontal design—are sought by both sci‑fi and Japanese‑cinema collectors.
About this piece
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Format: Japanese B1 theatre poster (興行用ポスター), landscape composition, for the 1973 roadshow release.
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Paper/print: Medium‑weight, semi‑gloss stock; rich offset inks; shipped folded from the studio for lobby display.
Design & iconography
Monumental, fractured stone kanji—「日本沈没」—tower across a storm‑torn sky, their bases dissolving into cascading seas. Beneath, the English brush‑script logotype “SUBMERSION OF JAPAN” surges forward like whitewater. The fiery crimson cloudbank and glacial blues set an apocalyptic palette. A full credit bar anchors the foot, with Toho identifiers and production billing.
Translations of the main captions
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Top tagline:
「一億の民族をのせて沈みゆく日本列島、衝撃のベストセラー完全映画化！」
— “The Japanese archipelago, sinking with a hundred million people aboard—the shocking bestseller brought fully to the screen!” -
Title: 「日本沈没」 — Submersion of Japan.
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Credit row (highlights):
「原作・小松左京／脚本・橋本忍／監督・森谷司郎／特撮・中野昭慶／製作・田中友幸・田中収」
— “From the novel by Sakyō Komatsu; screenplay by Shinobu Hashimoto; directed by Shirō Moritani; special effects by Teruyoshi Nakano; produced by Tomoyuki Tanaka and Osamu Tanaka.”
「東宝映画・東宝映像作品／東宝株式会社配給」 — “A Toho Film / Toho Eizo production; distributed by Toho Co., Ltd.”
Rarity & significance
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Large‑format B1 for a landmark 1970s Japanese sci‑fi/disaster film.
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Scarcer than B2s; dramatic horizontal artwork gives exceptional wall presence.
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Key names in postwar Japanese cinema and tokusatsu gathered on one piece.
Condition
Excellent/very good for size and age. Factory‑folded as issued (visible central cross‑fold with light handling along fold lines); minor edge wear and tiny corner stress; colors remain bold with no overpainting or significant losses. Clean reverse. Please review images—this is the exact poster offered.
Details
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Country: Japan
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Year of issue: 1973 (first release)
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Format: B1 theatrical poster (興行用ポスター)
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Size: c. 72.8 × 103 cm (landscape)
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Authentication: Original period printing; not a reproduction.
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COA included.
