“The Castle of Cagliostro” (ルパン三世 カリオストロの城), Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1979, Hayao Miyazaki Feature Directorial Debut, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) Q260
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed in 1979 for the first release of Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (ルパン三世 カリオストロの城), the celebrated animated adventure film co-written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
Produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha / TMS and based on Monkey Punch’s legendary Lupin III manga series, the film is especially important as Hayao Miyazaki’s first feature-length directorial work, made several years before the founding of Studio Ghibli.
Original first-release Japanese posters for The Castle of Cagliostro are highly collectible, particularly because of the film’s major place in both Lupin III history and Miyazaki’s career.
Film background
Released in 1979, The Castle of Cagliostro follows master thief Arsène Lupin III as he investigates counterfeit money linked to the mysterious European principality of Cagliostro. There he becomes involved in the rescue of Princess Clarisse, leading to a thrilling adventure of castles, hidden treasure, secret passages, car chases, and romantic intrigue.
The film is the second Lupin III theatrical feature and remains one of the most beloved entries in the franchise. It is also now viewed as a key early statement of Miyazaki’s cinematic style: fluid action, elegant pacing, emotional sincerity, mechanical detail, and a deep affection for flight, landscape, and adventure.
Poster design
This Japanese B2 features one of the most charming and dynamic original designs for the film. Lupin III and Princess Clarisse dominate the foreground, with Lupin confidently leading her through the chaos surrounding Cagliostro Castle. Behind them, the castle erupts into comic-action spectacle: explosions, gunfire, parachutes, aircraft, collapsing walls, hidden figures, and frantic movement fill the scene.
The composition beautifully captures the film’s tone: playful, romantic, fast-moving, and full of old-world adventure. The artwork has the distinctive late-1970s TMS / Lupin energy, combining slapstick danger with elegant character design and richly detailed background action.
At the bottom, the title reads:
ルパン三世 カリオストロの城
“Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro”
The printed credits identify Hayao Miyazaki as director and Monkey Punch as the original creator, making this an especially important early Miyazaki theatrical poster.
Collector significance
This poster is highly desirable for several reasons: it is an original 1979 first-release Japanese theatrical poster, it represents Miyazaki’s feature directorial debut, and it belongs to one of the most enduring anime adventure films ever made.
Its appeal crosses multiple collecting fields: Hayao Miyazaki, pre-Ghibli animation, Lupin III, Monkey Punch, TMS / Tokyo Movie Shinsha, and classic Japanese anime poster design.
Condition
Very Good / Excellent vintage condition. Please review the photos carefully; they show the exact poster for sale, including the close-up image of the small tape stain.
The poster would grade closer to excellent if not for a tiny old tape stain at the top edge, visible in the supplied close-up image. This has been taken into account when pricing.
Aside from this, the poster presents very strongly, with bright colour, sharp artwork, clean overall appearance, and excellent display impact. Once framed, it will display beautifully.
This poster is an original Japanese theatrical B2 from the 1979 first-release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
It is over 45 years old!
Certificate of Authenticity included.
