This is an original Japanese B1 theatrical release poster, printed in 1980 for the film’s first release in Japan. Issued in the impressive B1 cinema-display format—approximately twice the surface area of the standard Japanese B2 poster—this is a desirable large-format piece from one of the most beloved chapters in the Star Wars saga.
The design has tremendous impact at this scale: Darth Vader looms across the star-filled upper half above Cloud City, while a densely layered montage brings together Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Leia, Lando Calrissian, C-3PO, R2-D2 and Boba Fett, alongside spacecraft and battle imagery from Hoth. Deep blues and blacks contrast with the snowy landscape below, while the enormous red Japanese title, blue 帝国の逆襲 subtitle and vivid orange headline give the composition its distinctive Japanese identity. The top banner, 「STAR WARSシリーズ第2弾！」, announces the second instalment in the Star Wars series, firmly capturing the excitement of the original release campaign.
The B1 format is especially important here. Compared with the familiar Japanese B2 edition, this scarcer, substantially larger theatrical version gives the towering Vader image, Cloud City and ensemble montage a far more commanding presence. It is an especially appealing format for collectors seeking an original Japanese Empire Strikes Back poster with the scale to become a centrepiece.
Condition
Very Good, with visible wear from handling, folding and storage, as shown in the detailed photographs. The darker upper portion shows these imperfections particularly clearly, including branching creases and areas of wear around the folds.
The poster also has small tears and earlier tape repairs or reinforcements on the reverse, undertaken by a previous owner or at an earlier stage, not by us. The verso shows age toning and scattered marks. These are genuine condition issues rather than features of the printed design, and we have fully taken them into account when pricing this example.
Despite the wear, the blue space imagery, red Japanese title and central character montage retain strong visual impact. Once framed, this large B1 will display very well, with the fold and surface wear remaining visible as part of its condition.
A scarce and striking first-release Japanese B1 from the original 1980 campaign—a compelling large-format option for collectors who value the design and scale while accepting an example with documented wear and earlier repairs.
This is not a reproduction or reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
