“Akira Kurosawa — Footprints of a Dream” (黒澤明〈夢のあしあと〉), Original Japanese Illustrated Calendar Poster 2000, Artwork by T. Ueda, B2 Size (51.5 × 72.8 cm) — N72

This is an original Japanese B2 calendar poster issued in 2000, featuring a beautifully detailed portrait of Akira Kurosawa by T. Ueda. Produced in the years immediately following the director’s death, it combines a striking commemorative illustration with a calendar running from March 2000 to February 2001.

Printed on richly textured paper in warm brown and cream tones, this is an especially attractive tribute to Kurosawa and a natural companion to T. Ueda’s portrait used for the 1999 memorial calendar.

Publication connection

The credit beneath the portrait reads:

「黒澤明〈夢のあしあと〉黒澤明研究会編／共同通信社発行」

“Akira Kurosawa: Footprints of a Dream — edited by the Akira Kurosawa Research Group / published by Kyodo News.”

This identifies the poster’s connection to the substantial retrospective publication 黒澤明：夢のあしあと：資料・記録集, published in December 1999. Bringing together testimony, photographs, storyboards and documentary material, the book explored the director’s life and creative work.

The calendar carries that commemorative purpose into the year 2000, placing Kurosawa’s likeness at the centre of a design intended for continued display.

The illustration

The composition is dominated by a magnificent near-frontal portrait of Kurosawa, his head slightly tilted beneath a carefully rendered herringbone cap. His familiar sunglasses, thoughtful expression and softly shaded features give the image a strong sense of character.

Fine linework describes the weave of the cap, individual strands of hair and the subtle contours of his face. The dark glasses provide a particularly compelling focal point, with reflected outdoor scenery and vertical structures visible in the lenses, adding depth to the portrait.

Large, expressive “A.K” initials occupy the lower-left corner of the illustration. Their broad brush-like strokes contrast with the meticulous detail of the drawing, giving the otherwise restrained composition a distinctive graphic accent.

The portrait sits within a pale rectangular field surrounded by a deep brown border. Below, the calendar is printed in small, informal lettering, keeping attention firmly on the artwork.

The pronounced paper texture, visible on both sides of the sheet, complements the warm monochrome palette and gives the poster an appealing tactile quality.

Artist

The illustration bears the printed signature “T. UEDA 2000.”, identifying the artist as T. Ueda and dating the artwork to 2000. 

This is a printed signature within the design, rather than a separately hand-signed dedication.

An elegant display piece for collectors of Akira Kurosawa, Japanese cinema, illustrated portraiture and commemorative posters.

Condition

Excellent+ condition. The portrait retains beautifully defined detail, strong brown tones and clear calendar lettering.

Its distinctive textured surface remains an important part of its visual appeal.

Please review all photographs, including the reverse and signature detail, as they show the exact poster for sale.

Japanese B2 format: approximately 51.5 × 72.8 cm.
Calendar period: March 2000–February 2001.
Stock code: N72.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.