Original Japanese Nagisa Oshima Movie Posters

Nagisa Ōshima (大島 渚, 1932–2013) was one of the most influential and provocative filmmakers in Japanese cinema, celebrated for his uncompromising exploration of politics, sexuality, social conventions, and postwar Japanese society. A central figure of the Japanese New Wave, Ōshima challenged traditional filmmaking conventions and established an enduring reputation as one of Japan’s most important modern directors.

His remarkable career encompassed such landmark films as Cruel Story of Youth (1960), The Sun’s Burial (1960), Night and Fog in Japan (1960), The Man Who Left His Will on Film (1970), In the Realm of the Senses (1976), Empire of Passion (1978), and Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983), starring David Bowie, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Takeshi Kitano, and Tom Conti.

Japan Poster Shop’s collection of original Japanese Nagisa Ōshima movie posters brings together theatrical material spanning his groundbreaking early films, experimental productions of the 1960s and 1970s, and internationally celebrated later works.

Of particular significance are original Japanese first-release posters from Ōshima’s New Wave period, which represent an important intersection of postwar Japanese cinema, political expression, and graphic design. These early theatrical posters are increasingly difficult to find, especially in excellent condition, and are highly regarded by collectors of Japanese film history.

The collection also includes posters for his later productions, notably Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, whose Japanese theatrical campaign remains particularly memorable for its striking photography and association with some of the most recognisable figures in Japanese and British popular culture.

Japanese theatrical posters for Ōshima’s films frequently exhibit the distinctive visual language of their periods, from experimental typography and bold photographic compositions to provocative imagery reflecting the director’s challenging cinematic themes.

Our collection includes original Japanese B2 theatrical posters and other promotional formats, offering collectors an opportunity to explore the career of one of Japan’s most significant filmmakers through authentic period cinema ephemera.

Each poster is individually catalogued with attention to its original release, condition, format, and historical significance, preserving an important aspect of Japan’s cinematic and graphic design heritage.