“Pom Poko” / 「平成狸合戦ぽんぽこ」, Original Japanese Nakazuri Train Poster 1994, B3 Size (36 × 52 cm) J275

This is an original Japanese B3 nakazuri promotional poster printed for the 1994 theatrical release of Studio Ghibli’s Pom Poko / 「平成狸合戦ぽんぽこ」, written and directed by Isao Takahata.

Created for display inside Japanese train carriages, this rare horizontal poster was suspended from the ceiling for commuters to view. Nakazuri posters were temporary advertising materials produced in limited numbers and were not offered for public sale, making surviving Studio Ghibli examples particularly collectible.

Film background

Set in the Tama Hills outside Tokyo, Pom Poko follows a community of shape-shifting tanuki, or Japanese raccoon dogs, whose woodland home is threatened by the rapid construction of Tama New Town.

To resist the destruction of their habitat, the tanuki revive the ancient art of transformation. They use disguises, supernatural illusions, sabotage, and an elaborate parade of yōkai in an attempt to frighten the developers away.

Beneath its exuberant comedy and folklore, the film presents a poignant environmental message about urban expansion, cultural displacement, and the disappearance of the natural world.

The principal creative credits include:

Planning: Hayao Miyazaki
Director, Screenplay and Original Concept: Isao Takahata
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Theme Song: Shang Shang Typhoon

The principal Japanese voice cast includes Makoto Nonomura, Yuriko Ishida, Norihei Miki, Nijiko Kiyokawa, Shigeru Izumiya, and Bunta Sugawara.

Pom Poko became the highest-grossing Japanese film of 1994 and later received the Feature Film Award at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

Poster design

The lower half presents an extensive lineup of the film’s tanuki characters, ranging from elderly transformation masters and community leaders to younger members of the group. Their varied costumes, expressions, and body shapes communicate the film’s broad ensemble and mixture of comedy, folklore, and social satire.

Above them, two angled film stills show scenes of transformation and confrontation, while smaller illustrations include the comically officious police-chief tanuki and a character holding a sign reading:

「化学復興 人間研究」

The large central title reads:

「総天然色漫画映画
平成狸合戦ぽんぽこ」

Translated:

“Full-colour animated motion picture: Heisei Tanuki War Pom Poko.”

The orange promotional headline reads:

「この夏、タヌキが化けまくる！」

Translated:

“This summer, the tanuki are transforming like crazy!”

The black diagonal banner reads:

「タヌキだってがんばってるんだよォ。」

Translated:

“The tanuki are doing their best too, you know!”

This celebrated tagline was written by Shigesato Itoi.

The blue text at upper right promotes the film as the latest Studio Ghibli production from the creators associated with My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Only Yesterday, and Porco Rosso.

The lower credit line reads:

「宮崎駿企画 ● 高畑勲監督作品 ● 主題歌 上々颱風」

Translated:

“Planned by Hayao Miyazaki / A film directed by Isao Takahata / Theme song by Shang Shang Typhoon.”

The result is a lively and highly informative Studio Ghibli campaign design that captures the film’s ensemble spirit, humour, folklore, and environmental themes.

Format and rarity

This is a Japanese B3 nakazuri poster, measuring approximately:

36.4 × 51.5 cm / 14.3 × 20.3 inches

Nakazuri posters were suspended from the ceilings of railway carriages for short advertising periods. Most were discarded after removal, and surviving examples connected to major Studio Ghibli releases are increasingly difficult to obtain.

Condition

Excellent condition. A highly attractive and well-preserved example retaining clean cream areas, vivid red, orange, green, and blue colour, sharp illustrated detail, and excellent overall display impact.

There are only light signs of age and handling consistent with an original Japanese railway poster from this period.

Reference: J275.

Please review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.

This is an original Japanese B3 nakazuri poster from the film’s first-release 1994 campaign, not a reproduction or reprint.

It is now over 30 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.