This is an original Japanese offset poster printed in the January 1972. This poster is ultra rare and is displayed in the world`s most prestigious galleries such as MoMA in New York City. It is very difficult / almost impossible to find in any condition.
This poster was reprinted in 1977 and 1987 - this is the very first edition of this poster and it is in excellent condition. A must have for any Beatles or Tadanori Yokoo collector or fan!
Japan Poster Shop has acquired a substantial and unique collection of original Tadanori Yokoo posters from one of the most prolific collectors in Japan. This individual has a very colorful life story, having invested and dedicated many decades to his love for Tadanori Yokoo`s vibrant designs.
In the 1970s, Yokoo created a series of iconic posters for rock bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, The Beatles, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Cat Stevens, and Tangerine Dream. His poster work played a key role in establishing his presence in the international music scene, especially with record labels in the US and Europe. Transitioning from his early hand-drawn style, Yokoo embraced a collage-based approach, blending historical and geographical symbols with images of contemporary musicians. By placing pop stars in settings like ancient Babylon, Egypt, and untamed jungles, he elevated their stature, giving them a sense of timeless gravitas.
Yokoo is a celebrated graphic designer whose iconic posters and album covers for artists like The Beatles, Miles Davis, and Carlos Santana left a lasting impact on global pop culture. His psychedelic designs blended traditional Japanese elements with influences from Pop art, Surrealism, and American graphic design, foreshadowing the poster styles of 1960s San Francisco. Yokoo’s work was featured alongside artists such as Frank Stella and Andy Warhol in the 1968 MoMA exhibition "Word and Image." Known for pushing visual boundaries, he provocatively incorporated symbols of Japanese imperialism — such as the rising sun, Mount Fuji, and bullet trains — often juxtaposing them with crude or controversial imagery. His graphic style was rooted in Japanese ukiyo-e printmaking and collage, and a transformative journey to India deepened his fascination with mysticism, inspiring his use of Buddhist symbolism in his art.
Please refer to the imagery (both front and back) as this is the exact poster that is for sale.
It is over 53 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.