Original Japanese Martial Arts & Kung Fu Movie Posters

Explore Japan Poster Shop’s extensive collection of original Japanese martial arts and kung fu movie posters, featuring rare first-release theatrical artwork, vintage action cinema and highly collectible Japanese promotional designs spanning several decades of international filmmaking.

Martial arts cinema occupies a distinctive place in the history of popular film, combining extraordinary physical performance, choreographed combat and compelling visual storytelling. From the golden age of Hong Kong kung fu cinema to Japanese karate films, samurai action, contemporary martial arts productions and Japanese animation, the genre has produced some of the most dynamic and recognisable theatrical posters ever created.

Of particular significance are the legendary films of Bruce Lee (李小龍), whose performances in The Big Boss (1971), Fist of Fury (1972), The Way of the Dragon (1972), Enter the Dragon (1973) and Game of Death (1978) transformed martial arts cinema into an international cultural phenomenon. Original Japanese theatrical posters for these films are especially sought after for their dramatic artwork, distinctive Japanese typography and historical significance.

Our collection also celebrates the extraordinary career of Jackie Chan (成龍), whose combination of acrobatic martial arts, physical comedy and elaborate stunt choreography redefined the action genre. Japanese posters for films such as Drunken Master (1978), The Young Master (1980), Project A (1983), Police Story (1985) and Armour of God (1986) represent an important chapter in the international reception of Hong Kong cinema.

Japanese martial arts filmmaking is equally significant, particularly through the work of Sonny Chiba (千葉真一) and the influential Street Fighter (1974) series, alongside karate films, samurai action productions and the distinctive traditions of Japanese genre cinema.

Our holdings extend to celebrated martial arts performers and filmmakers including Jet Li, Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao and Gordon Liu, whose films helped shape the evolution of international action cinema.

The collection also encompasses original Japanese posters for martial arts animation, including theatrical productions associated with Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z. These animated films combine the visual traditions of Japanese manga and anime with the choreography, action and heroic storytelling of classic martial arts cinema.

Original Japanese theatrical posters for martial arts films are particularly admired for their energetic compositions, dramatic fight imagery, vivid colours, illustrated action sequences and bold Japanese typography. Many designs differ substantially from their Hong Kong, American and European counterparts, making them especially desirable among international collectors.

Our extensive holdings include original Japanese B2 and B1 theatrical posters, rare first-release examples, exceptionally scarce STB Tatekan formats, advance promotional designs, unused posters and unusual vintage advertising material. Early Japanese posters for classic kung fu and martial arts films can be particularly difficult to acquire, especially in outstanding original condition.

These posters represent an important intersection of Asian cinema history, Japanese graphic design, international action filmmaking and popular culture, preserving the visual legacy of one of cinema’s most influential genres.

Every poster offered by Japan Poster Shop is an authentic original, carefully sourced in Japan and individually catalogued. We do not sell reproductions. All posters are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, with worldwide DHL Express shipping available from our gallery in Tokyo.