“Star Wars” (スター・ウォーズ), Original Japanese Advance “Teaser” One‑Sheet, 1978 (film ©1977), Ultra Rare, B1 Size (approx. 73 × 103 cm / 29" × 41") (EX) (G)
A truly iconic—and extremely scarce—original Japanese B1 advance/teaser poster for Star Wars (later retroactively titled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope). This is the celebrated minimalist “starfield” design created specifically for the Japanese market: a deep blue, endless star‑field with a metallic silver STAR WARS logo anchored low in the layout, the Japanese title 「スター・ウォーズ」 beneath in lighter blue, and a compact Japanese credit block at the bottom. It is a striking, elegant “prestige teaser” that evokes the film’s opening crawl and the vastness of space—before character-driven poster art took over later campaigns.
What elevates this example into true “grail” territory is the format: the B1 size is dramatically harder to encounter than the more commonly seen B2 version, and the B1 is rarely seen for sale even within Japan. This is the wall-dominant, collector-grade version of the design—and one that seasoned Star Wars paper collectors search for years. It is the first time we have encountered this poster in Japan - that is how rare it is!
At the top, the orange Japanese tagline reads:
「遠いむかし はるか数万光年かなたの銀河系で
とてつもない大冒険が くりひろげられた・・・」
(“Once upon a time, in a galaxy tens of thousands of light years away, an incredible adventure unfolded…”)
Date & Japanese Theatrical Release
Star Wars premiered in the United States on May 25, 1977 and became a defining turning point in modern blockbuster cinema.
Japan’s first release followed in June 1978 (often cited as June 24, 1978 for the initial engagement), and this advance teaser design is closely associated with that Japanese launch—while still carrying the film’s ©1977 credit line at the bottom border.
The Film & Its Place in Cinema History
Written and directed by George Lucas, produced by Lucasfilm, and distributed by 20th Century Fox, Star Wars introduced audiences to Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Darth Vader, and an entire galaxy of mythic adventure—reshaping visual effects, sound, merchandising, and the global idea of what a “movie event” could be. The original cast includes Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, and Alec Guinness.
Design Notes
• Japan-exclusive “advance” concept: a pure starfield teaser emphasizing scale, mystery, and prestige rather than character imagery.
• Metallic silver‑ink logo: the STAR WARS logotype is rendered as a bold, reflective anchor low on the sheet.
• Signature Japanese typography: the title 「スター・ウォーズ」 appears beneath the logo in lighter blue, clean and modern against the night sky.
• Orange tagline header: the bright top-line copy provides instant visual contrast and reads like a localized echo of the opening crawl.
• Thin white border frame: a defining trait of this layout in the large B1 presentation.
20th Century Fox, Japanese Release Markings, and Key Credits
This poster carries the details collectors want to see on an authentic Japanese theatrical sheet: a primarily Japanese credit block, 20th Century Fox branding, the Dolby System mark, and the Japanese film rating stamp Eirin (映倫 53009) in the lower area. The bottom centered border includes the © 20th Century Fox copyright line.
Condition Report
Overall condition: Excellent (unrestored) and exceptionally impressive for an original late‑1970s Japanese B1 poster. Color and graphic impact remain strong, the starfield presents beautifully, and the piece displays as a bold, minimalist centerpiece. Please review the photos provided (front, close-ups, and back), as they show the exact poster being offered.
• Over 47 years old
• Not a reproduction / not a reprint
• Certificate of Authenticity included
