“Bullitt”, Original Japanese First Release STB Movie Poster 1968, STB Size (51 × 146 cm) — Ultra Rare K360

This is an original Japanese STB / Tatekan poster produced for the film’s first Japanese theatrical release in 1968. Directed by Peter Yates, Bullitt (ブリット) stars Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn, Jacqueline Bisset, Robert Duvall, and Don Gordon. Celebrated for its stripped-back realism, cool visual style, and legendary San Francisco car chase, the film created one of the defining screen images of McQueen’s career.

This exceptionally scarce two-panel poster is a superb example of late-1960s Japanese large-format theatrical advertising, dominated by a near life-size image of McQueen and exceptionally bold Japanese typography.

Film background

Steve McQueen plays Lieutenant Frank Bullitt, an independent San Francisco police detective assigned to protect a key witness in an organised-crime investigation. When the witness is attacked, Bullitt begins a determined search for the truth while resisting interference from ambitious politician Walter Chalmers, played by Robert Vaughn.

The film is distinguished by its restrained dialogue, extensive location photography, procedural realism, and McQueen’s controlled, understated performance. Its centrepiece is the celebrated pursuit through San Francisco involving Bullitt’s Ford Mustang GT Fastback and the criminals’ Dodge Charger, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential car chases in cinema history.

Directed by Peter Yates, photographed by William A. Fraker, and scored by Lalo Schifrin, Bullitt won the Academy Award for Best Film Editing for Frank P. Keller’s exceptional work.

Poster design

This spectacular Japanese STB exploits the format’s extreme verticality to present Steve McQueen as a towering figure of modern action cinema.

The upper panel is dominated by a large portrait of McQueen as Frank Bullitt, dressed in his characteristic dark roll-neck sweater and shoulder holster. His raised arm and intensely focused expression create an immediate sense of motion and physical danger.

Behind him, cars race and leap through the steep streets of San Francisco, directly referencing the film’s famous pursuit sequence. The sharply angled architecture heightens the sensation of speed and recalls the city’s distinctive hills and urban geography.

Running vertically along the left side is the Japanese campaign copy:

「“華麗な男”の魅力と行動がさらにエスカレートした―
スピード最高！スリル満点！大追跡の面白さ！」

Approximately:

“The magnetism and action of this stylish man escalate even further—maximum speed! Maximum thrills! All the excitement of a great pursuit!”

The upper credits prominently announce:

「テクニカラー」
“Technicolor”

together with the names of Robert Vaughn, Jacqueline Bisset, and Robert Duvall.

The lower panel is dominated by the enormous red Japanese title:

「ブリット」

Steve McQueen’s name appears beside it in vivid yellow:

「スティーブ・マックィーン」

Robert Vaughn occupies the lower-right foreground, while the action montage below shows Bullitt pursuing an armed suspect through the crowded airport terminal during the film’s tense climax. The contrast between the cream ground, black central silhouette, brilliant red title, and yellow star billing gives the poster exceptional graphic strength and immediate display presence.

The original Warner Bros.-Seven Arts identification, Japanese production credits, and period Eirin marking remain visible at the foot of the design.

About STB / Tatekan posters

STBs, or Tatekan posters, are among the most distinctive and desirable Japanese theatrical formats. A complete example consists of two separately printed B2-sized panels, each measuring approximately 51.5 × 72.8 cm, which combine to form a poster measuring approximately 51.5 × 145.6 cm overall.

The sheets were designed to be aligned vertically for display in standing signboards, cinema entrances, pillars, and other narrow, high-visibility locations.

Because both correctly matched original panels must survive together, complete vintage STBs are considerably rarer than conventional Japanese B2 posters. Their elongated proportions also enabled Japanese designers to create dramatic, near life-size compositions rarely possible within standard poster formats.

Condition

Excellent+. The two original panels form a complete, correctly matched set. The colours remain strong, with excellent visual impact across the monumental McQueen portrait, San Francisco chase imagery, oversized red title, and yellow star billing. Minor evidence of period handling is consistent with an authentic Japanese theatrical poster of this age. Please review the photographs—they show the exact poster for sale.

This poster is an original Japanese theatrical STB from the 1968 first-release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a modern reprint.

It is approximately 58 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.