“Akira” (アキラ), Ultra‑Rare Original Japanese Bookstore Display / Young Magazine Promotional “Speed” Poster 1983, B4 Speed Size (c. 26 × 73 cm) O61
This is an original Japanese bookstore display poster (promotional poster) issued for Young Magazine No.22, dated 21 November 1983. Produced by Kodansha for point‑of‑sale use to promote Katsuhiro Otomo’s manga serialisation, it is the scarce long B4 “Speed” format—a B2 variant cut vertically for bookshop display.
Ultra‑rare: acquired by Japan Poster Shop from a dedicated Katsuhiro Otomo / Akira collector in Japan who assembled these over decades. Pieces of this type are virtually never offered for sale. This exact design is reproduced in the official AKIRA CLUB compendium.
At the foot of this sheet you’ll find the tell‑tale identifiers:
“★ No.22 11月21日号 ★ 定価200円 ★ 講談社 / ヤングマガジン (Young Magazine)”.
The headline across the top reads 「大友克洋の黙示録アキラ」 (“Katsuhiro Otomo’s Apocalypse: AKIRA”), with the magenta medallion “the Apocalypse — AKIRA — KATSUHIRO OHTOMO.” Copy at upper right trails a “special colour feature ahead of the 1st anniversary of serialisation” and teases the story pushing toward its core. The central vertical legend 「アキラノメザメハチカヅイタ。」 reads, roughly, “Akira’s awakening draws near.”
These elements confirm the piece as a 1983 Young Magazine bookstore promotional poster.
Akira (1988) is Katsuhiro Otomo’s epoch‑defining post‑apocalyptic, cyberpunk landmark—based on his own manga that began in 1982 in Young Magazine. Its world‑building and animation reshaped anime and global pop culture. This 1983 poster comes from the manga era that seeded the film’s creation and fanbase.
Poster design
A stark two‑tone composition: twin, halftone test subjects flank a black vertical field edged in cyan and magenta; Kaneda barrels in on his bike at lower left. Above, a bold pink circle announces AKIRA / KATSUHIRO OHTOMO; the dramatic Japanese headline arcs across the top. The layout, inks and screentone textures scream early‑’80s Young Magazine aesthetics—electric, graphic, and unmistakably Otomo.
Why collectors prize this example
Bookstore Speed flyer from 1983 tied directly to the manga’s first‑anniversary push—far scarcer than any theatrical or video poster.
Printed in very small numbers for in‑store display; most were discarded—survivors are exceptionally rare.
Documented in AKIRA CLUB, underscoring its significance in the property’s promotional history.
From a long‑time Japanese Akira / Otomo collection—holy‑grail‑level material that is almost never on the market.
Details
Country: Japan
Year: 1983 (Young Magazine No.22, 21 Nov 1983)
Type: Bookstore display / Young Magazine promotional “Speed” poster — B2 variant cut vertically
Size: B4 Speed — c. 26 × 73 cm
Printed identifiers on sheet: “ヤングマガジン / YOUNG Magazine”; “No.22 11月21日号”; “定価200円”; “講談社”; “the Apocalypse — AKIRA — KATSUHIRO OHTOMO”; headline 「大友克洋の黙示録アキラ」; centre line 「アキラノメザメハチカヅイタ。」.
Condition
Excellent overall. Original three‑fold lines from distribution (as issued); light handling and minor surface impressions; a few tiny specks and faint age toning in places; clean verso; colours strong and vivid. Please review the photos (front and back) which show the exact item.
It is over 41 years old.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
