“Mirrorman” / 「ミラーマン 生きかえった恐竜アロザ」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1972 — Speed Poster Size (25.7 × 75.8 cm) — S35
This is an original Japanese speed-format theatrical poster produced for the 1972 release of Mirrorman: The Revived Dinosaur Aroza / 「ミラーマン 生きかえった恐竜アロザ」.
Distributed by Toho and released on 22 July 1972 as part of the Toho Champion Festival, this theatrical presentation brought an adventure from Tsuburaya Productions’ Mirrorman television series to cinema audiences.
The poster’s unusually tall, narrow proportions give its full-length image of the silver hero an imposing presence, combining dramatic monster-film photography with vivid Japanese typography.
Film background
Produced by Tsuburaya Productions, Mirrorman originally aired on Fuji Television from December 1971 to November 1972. It belongs to the celebrated early-1970s wave of Japanese special-effects television, bringing together alien invasion, giant monsters, miniature landscapes, and a transforming superhero.
The story centres on Kyotaro Kagami, played by Nobuyuki Ishida, a young photographer who discovers his connection to a two-dimensional world. Through reflective surfaces, he transforms into Mirrorman, defending Earth against the alien Invaders and their monstrous creations.
The series developed its own identity through its mirror imagery, angular silver hero design, and atmospheric science-fiction storytelling.
This particular poster advertises The Revived Dinosaur Aroza, directed by Toshitsugu Suzuki and adapted for theatrical exhibition from the television series’ eighteenth episode.
The adventure concerns Aroza, a dinosaur brought back to life through the Invaders’ interference. Its threat provides the setting for another confrontation between Mirrorman and the forces attacking Earth.
The printed subtitle identifies this specific theatrical release, making the sheet a record of Mirrorman’s 1972 cinema promotion as well as a striking piece of television-superhero imagery.
Poster design
The composition is dominated by a large photographic image of Mirrorman kneeling amid a damaged industrial landscape.
One hand is raised beside his forehead while the other is held horizontally across his body. His angular helmet, prominent crest, amber-coloured eyes, and contrasting chest panels remain clearly visible against the dark background.
Storage tanks, scattered debris, and broken miniature structures surround the hero. These details convey his enormous scale while preserving the distinctive physical craftsmanship of Japanese tokusatsu, in which costumed performers and miniature sets created the spectacle.
The narrow format closely follows the figure from helmet to boots, giving the image a strong vertical rhythm. A white circular Toho logo occupies the upper-right corner.
Red promotional lettering runs down the right side:
「はね返されたミラーナイフ！ミラーマンあぶない！」
“The Mirror Knife has been deflected! Mirrorman is in danger!”
The wording introduces a moment of jeopardy by suggesting that the hero’s familiar attack has failed.
Across the bottom, a brilliant blue panel provides a sharp contrast to the darker photographic image. The main title:
「ミラーマン」
appears in enormous yellow lettering, with pointed strokes and a starburst incorporated into the logo.
Immediately beneath it, the pink subtitle reads:
「生きかえった恐竜アロザ」
“The Revived Dinosaur Aroza.”
The lower credits identify the colour production and director Toshitsugu Suzuki, completing a compact and forceful example of early-1970s Japanese superhero advertising.
Release and format note
This is an original Japanese speed poster, measuring approximately:
25.7 × 75.8 cm / 10.1 × 29.8 inches
Its tall, narrow format offers a distinctive alternative to the broader B2 sheet, making particularly effective use of the hero’s full-length pose.
The combination of Mirrorman imagery, Toho theatrical branding, and the named Aroza adventure makes this an appealing example for collectors of Tsuburaya Productions, Showa-era tokusatsu, kaiju cinema, and Japanese superhero posters.
Condition
Excellent+ condition.
The poster retains strong colour, clear photographic detail, and bright title lettering. A horizontal central fold is visible, together with light handling creases, gentle paper undulations, and minor marks on the reverse.
Overall, it presents extremely well for its age. Once framed, this poster will display excellently.
Reference: S35.
Please review all photographs, including the front and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.
This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s 1972 release campaign.
It is now over 54 years old.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
