“Star Wars” / 「スター・ウォーズ」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1978, First Release, Artwork by Seito, Cinema-Used Example, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) D273

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for Star Wars / 「スター・ウォーズ」, printed in 1978 for the film’s first Japanese theatrical release.

This is the celebrated Japanese Seito artwork variant, one of the most desirable Japanese Star Wars poster designs. This particular example is a cinema-used copy, previously displayed in a cinema near Fukuoka, and shows signs of original theatrical use.

Film background
Written and directed by George Lucas, Star Wars follows Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, C-3PO, R2-D2, and the Rebel Alliance in their battle against the Galactic Empire and the Death Star.

First released internationally in 1977 and in Japan in 1978, Star Wars transformed modern popular cinema and became one of the defining cultural phenomena of the 20th century. Japanese release material proudly referenced the film’s success at the 50th Academy Awards, where it received major technical and visual recognition.

Poster design
This Japanese B2 poster features exclusive painted artwork by Seito, whose signature appears near Leia’s feet.

The design reinterprets the classic heroic Star Wars composition for the Japanese market. Luke Skywalker stands with lightsaber raised dramatically to the stars, while Princess Leia stands in the foreground, her white robes sweeping across the image. Behind them looms the spectral blue presence of Darth Vader, with the Death Star and a formation of X-wings sweeping through the galaxy at left.

Unlike many Western campaign designs, this Japanese version gives C-3PO and R2-D2 prominent placement in the lower foreground, while the deep blue cosmic background, white star field, and luminous lightsaber beam give the poster a striking sense of scale and myth.

At lower right, the bold blue STAR WARS logo anchors the design, with the red Japanese title 「スター・ウォーズ」 beneath. The lower-left section includes a gold Oscar graphic and Japanese copy celebrating the film’s Academy Award success.

This is one of the most visually important Japanese Star Wars poster designs: dramatic, painterly, highly displayable, and uniquely tied to the film’s original Japanese release campaign.

Cinema-used example
This particular poster was previously stuck / affixed and displayed in a cinema near Fukuoka. It therefore carries the character and authenticity of a genuine working theatrical poster, rather than an unused archive copy.

The signs of use have been taken into account when pricing. Once framed, the poster should display very well, with strong visual impact from the deep blues, bright character artwork, and iconic Star Wars title treatment.

Condition
Good to very good vintage condition. Please review the photographs carefully, as they show the exact poster for sale.

The poster retains strong colour, excellent artwork presence, bold title graphics, and impressive overall display impact. There are visible signs of age and cinema use, including fold lines, handling creases, surface wear, edge wear, minor marks, small tears, and evidence of previous display / mounting.

These condition points are consistent with an original Japanese theatrical poster that was actually used for cinema display more than four decades ago.

This is an original 1978 Japanese first-release B2 theatrical poster.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is over 45 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.