Over the years we have acquired many ultra rare posters, this beautiful near mint Godzilla poster is one of the rarest ones we have ever had (it is rarer than the Style A version of this poster easily by a factor of 10). Chihoban (regional style) posters impossibly scarce.
We are very proud to present this holy grail item. Original Japanese paper from this extremely important movie is very scarce and incredibly desirable. This poster is the "Lamborghini" or "Romanée-Conti" of Japanese cinema - something that is so rare, the last time it sold in a large western Auction house (Heritage Auctions) was in 2005! This is a must-have item for any serious collector and investor. We believe that the poster that was sold in 2005 is the only other copy that exists, and it`s image is frequently used in publications both on and offline.
When the first Godzilla film was made in 1954, Toho studies never predicted that it was going to be the most successful, and longest running film series in HISTORY (with over 30 films). Therefore, there was only a very limited amount of this over 70 year old poster produced. Godzilla is a household name, with films still being made in 2024.
Godzilla is the undisputed heavy weight champion and most famous big screen monster ever created.
After the film's release in 1954, it was not until three years later, in 1957, when Godzilla hit the American cinemas in a heavily edited version of the film including Raymond Burr. The film is a trenchant anti-war and anti-nuclear testing screed that would have been way out of sync with the Cold War vibe of mid-'50s America.
Many books have been written about the metaphorical nature of this landmark film. This is about nuclear Armageddon and a warning to everyone in the world about nuclear war and its devastating consequences.
Being screened less than a decade after two nuclear bombs dropped on Japan killed over 100,000 people in seconds, this film embodies some of Japan's terrible experience at the end of World War II.
Acquiring this piece is an excellent investment, when investing in Japanese posters, it is always best to invest in the best of the best. This is one of a possibly two examples of this poster still in existence, and we have conservation linen-backed it to ensure it will survive for future generations.
We sent this poster from Tokyo all the way to California to our linen-backers and they have done an best-in-class job. Prior to linen backing, the poster was in excellent condition, with some minor edge wear and signs of use. Expert restoration has addressed these flaws, and the poster now appears very fine, to near mint.
Additional imagery is available upon request. Please email us at japanposteruk@gmail.com.
This poster is over 70 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
*Please note the price is fixed for this item. It is not included in any of our periodic sales (e.g. Black Friday)!*