“Kikujiro” (菊次郎の夏), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 1999, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) I91

This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1999 for the first theatrical release of Kikujiro, written and directed by Takeshi Kitano, who also stars alongside Yusuke Sekiguchi. Released in Japan on 5 June 1999, the film brings together mischievous comedy, childhood loneliness and an unlikely friendship in a moving summer road movie.

Film background
The story follows Masao, a quiet boy spending the summer with his grandmother, who sets out to find his absent mother. Accompanying him is Kikujiro, a loud, irresponsible middle-aged man whose gambling and impulsive behaviour quickly complicate their journey. Through encounters with strangers, improvised games and unexpected disappointments, the pair gradually develop an affectionate bond.

Kitano combines deadpan humour with moments of tenderness, finding emotional depth in the relationship between two very different outsiders. Joe Hisaishi’s music gives the journey its lyrical warmth, complementing the film’s atmosphere of long summer days and fleeting childhood discoveries.

Poster design
A striking composition built around deep blue skies, white clouds and warm photographic tones. An enormous close-up of Kitano fills the lower half, his raised hand shading his eyes as he looks into the distance. At the upper left, Masao appears with playful face paint and one arm lifted into the sky.

The Japanese title 菊次郎の夏 stretches across the centre in rough, expressive yellow and cream lettering, layered over a vivid green leaf. The widely spaced English title KIKUJIRO and “Directed by Takeshi Kitano” credit give the composition a clean, balanced structure.

The white Japanese tagline captures the film’s mixture of playfulness and melancholy:

“Kikujiro, 52. Masao, 9. Lots of playing, and a little crying.”

The expansive blue background and contrasting portraits make this an especially attractive display piece for collectors of Takeshi Kitano and contemporary Japanese cinema.

Condition
Excellent+. There are gentle paper undulations, most apparent on the reverse. These are not fold lines, and once framed flat - these will not be noticeable. The colours remain rich, and the poster presents beautifully.

Please review the photographs—they show the exact poster for sale.

It is over 27 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.