“Wolf Boy Ken” (狼少年ケン), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1964, Toei Animation, B2 Format (c. 51 × 73 cm) — T126
This is a very rare original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1964 release of Wolf Boy Ken, advertising the paired adventures 「ピストル騒動・トーテムポールの魔人」, translated as “Pistol Commotion / The Totem Pole Demon.” Released in Japanese cinemas on 28 March 1964, this programme brought the popular television character to the big screen during the formative years of Japanese television animation.
Produced by Toei Dōga, now Toei Animation, Wolf Boy Ken began broadcasting in November 1963 as the studio’s first television anime series. Its adventures follow Ken, a human boy raised among wolves, whose courage and resourcefulness help protect his jungle companions. The combination of animal comedy, fantasy and action gave the series a lively identity at a pivotal moment in anime history.
The two stories advertised here capture that range. In Pistol Commotion, a gorilla’s discovery of a handgun overturns the jungle’s balance of power, forcing Ken and the animals to confront their newly armed bully. The Totem Pole Demon introduces a supernatural threat when a volcanic eruption releases an imprisoned creature. The poster’s imagery brings these comic and fantastical elements together in a colourful character montage.
An enormous portrait of Ken dominates the upper centre, his sweeping black hair and open-mouthed expression framed by a bright green oval. The bold silhouette makes the character instantly recognisable, while smaller illustrations around him introduce the surrounding animal world.
At upper left, a jungle scene shows Ken suspended between two tall palms, watched by animals below. At upper right, he leaps forward carrying a spear beside the snarling profile of a tiger. Wolves and other animal characters occupy the remaining spaces, including a particularly memorable gorilla holding a pistol, directly referencing one of the advertised stories.
Across the lower section, a broad woodland illustration shows Ken among his companions. A gorilla eating a banana sits beside a colourful pile of fruit, while two wolves carry fish suspended from a pole. These humorous details balance the action above and give the composition the welcoming energy of a children’s adventure.
The enormous red title 「狼少年ケン」 stretches across the sheet, with small pronunciation guides accompanying the kanji. Beneath it, yellow episode lettering on a dark horizontal band clearly identifies this particular theatrical programme. The triangular Toei logo appears at the upper right.
The headline reads:
「悪魔も拳銃もけちらして、ますます人気のケン少年!!」
“Brushing aside demons and pistols alike—young Ken grows more popular than ever!”
With its expressive character art, strong primary colours and theatrical episode billing, this is a distinctive piece for collectors of early anime, Toei Animation and 1960s Japanese children’s cinema.
Condition: Excellent for its age. Handling creases, paper undulations and light edge wear are visible, particularly on the reverse and towards the lower portion of the sheet. There is some age toning, while the front retains strong reds, greens and clear character detail. Once framed, this poster will display beautifully.
Please review all photographs, including the front and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.
Japanese B2 format: approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Stock code: T126.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
About Japanese B2 posters
Japanese B2 posters typically measure approximately 51 × 73 cm and were widely used for theatrical display. Their combinations of illustration, photography, typography and locally written promotional copy preserve how films were introduced to Japanese audiences.
