“Grave of the Fireflies” (火垂るの墓), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1988, Scarce B2 Size Variant (c. 51 × 73 cm), Studio Ghibli / Isao Takahata Q118

This is an original Japanese B2 poster issued for Grave of the Fireflies (火垂るの墓), Isao Takahata’s devastating animated masterpiece from Studio Ghibli. Adapted from Akiyuki Nosaka’s semi-autobiographical story, the film follows siblings Seita and Setsuko as they struggle to survive in Japan during the final months of WWII — an unflinching, deeply humane work widely regarded as one of the most important anti-war films ever made, animated or otherwise.

This is a scarce Japanese B2 variant, notably different from the more commonly encountered Grave of the Fireflies imagery used across later home-media and general promotional material. Collectors prize original Japanese theatrical material for this title due to its cultural stature, emotional weight, Studio Ghibli significance, and enduring international reputation.

Poster design

A powerful and emotionally direct Japanese campaign design centred on Setsuko, shown standing in oversized boots and saluting beneath the glow of fireflies. The surrounding inset scenes show quiet moments with her older brother Seita, reinforcing the film’s themes of childhood, memory, loss, and survival.

The main Japanese tagline reads:

4歳と14歳で、生きようと思った。
“At four and fourteen, they tried to live.”

The bold red title 火垂るの墓 appears vertically at the right, while the lower section records the film’s major Japanese and international recognition, including the Japan Anime Grand Prix, Blue Ribbon Special Award, and Agency for Cultural Affairs Excellent Film distinction.

As a B2, the poster has strong display presence while remaining highly frame-friendly. It is a particularly affecting original Japanese poster for one of the most important works in Studio Ghibli’s history.

Condition

Excellent overall presentation. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.

There is light age-appropriate handling and minor surface creasing visible in the photographs, consistent with an original poster of this age. 

It is over 38 years old!

It is not a reproduction or a reprint. Certificate of Authenticity included.