“Bitterness of Youth” (青春の蹉跌 / Seishun no Satetsu), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1974, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) ZA1272

An original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for Tatsumi Kumashiro’s Bitterness of Youth, released in Japan by Toho on 29 June 1974. The lower-left margin carries Toho’s 1974 copyright line.

In Excellent condition, with the red and black title lettering sharply defined against the pale grey ground.

Film background

Kazuhiko Hasegawa adapted Tatsuzō Ishikawa’s bestselling novel for the screen. Kenichi Hagiwara plays Kenichirō Etō, a law student who gives up student politics and American football to concentrate on the bar examination. He falls for Tomiko (Kaori Momoi), a young woman he has tutored, but sees a more prosperous future with his wealthy cousin Yasuko (Fumi Dan). When Tomiko tells him she is pregnant, his ambitions come at a cost he has yet to reckon with.

Poster design

The Japanese title runs the height of the left margin, each character split vertically between black and red. At the foot of the sheet, cracks radiate across Hagiwara’s black-and-white portrait like shattered glass. Tiny American football players run along the bottom edge. Above them, six photographic stills pair a cold embrace in the snow with the warmth of a couple sitting beside a kettle over an open hearth.

A narrow column of red lettering between the photographs reads:

「生きることは闘いだ！平和は敗北者の叫びだ！愛を裏切り 野望に賭ける鮮烈な青春！」
“To live is to fight! Peace is the cry of the defeated! A searing portrait of youth, betraying love and staking everything on ambition.”

Condition

Excellent overall. Please review the front and reverse photographs for the full condition.

An original vintage Japanese theatrical poster from Toho’s 1974 first release.
Over 52 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.