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“The Empire Strikes Back” (スター・ウォーズ／帝国の逆襲), Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1980, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) (with original cinema snipe; total height c. 95 cm) ZA726
“The Empire Strikes Back” (スター・ウォーズ／帝国の逆襲), Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1980, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) (with original cinema snipe; total height c. 95 cm) ZA726
“The Empire Strikes Back” (スター・ウォーズ／帝国の逆襲), Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1980, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) (with original cinema snipe; total height c. 95 cm) ZA726
“The Empire Strikes Back” (スター・ウォーズ／帝国の逆襲), Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1980, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) (with original cinema snipe; total height c. 95 cm) ZA726
“The Empire Strikes Back” (スター・ウォーズ／帝国の逆襲), Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1980, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) (with original cinema snipe; total height c. 95 cm) ZA726

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“The Empire Strikes Back” (スター・ウォーズ／帝国の逆襲), Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1980, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) (with original cinema snipe; total height c. 95 cm) ZA726

Sale price $200.00

This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed for the Japanese theatrical release of The Empire Strikes Back (スター・ウォーズ／帝国の逆襲), directed by Irvin Kershner—the second film in the Star Wars series and widely regarded as one of the greatest sequels in modern cinema. This example is particularly special as it survives as a genuine theatre-used display copy, complete with an original Japanese cinema programme snipe still attached at the bottom.

Film background
Following the destruction of the Death Star, the Rebel Alliance is forced into retreat as the Empire tightens its grip. Luke Skywalker begins his Jedi training under Yoda, while Han Solo and Princess Leia flee across the galaxy—only to be pulled toward a trap on Cloud City. The film deepens the saga with darker stakes, iconic set-pieces (Hoth, asteroid field, Bespin), and one of cinema’s most famous revelations—cementing Empire as the emotional and mythic core of the original trilogy.

Poster design
A classic Japanese B2 layout built around a dramatic space-collage composition: the looming shadow of Darth Vader hangs over a starfield filled with battleships and fighters, while the foreground assembles key characters and moments—Luke, Han and Leia, Chewbacca, C-3PO & R2-D2, and the saga’s mix of romance, action, and spectacle. The top banner reads 「STAR WARSシリーズ第2弾！」 (“Star Wars series—Part 2!”), while the bold red title 「スター・ウォーズ」 and blue subtitle 「帝国の逆襲」 anchor the sheet with maximum impact.

Original cinema snipe / provenance (attached bottom strip)
A standout feature of this copy is the large red-and-white cinema advertising snipe affixed to the bottom—an authentic piece of period theatre display provenance. It lists a double feature and full show schedule:

  • 「がんばれ!!タブチくん!!第3弾 あゝツッパリ人生」 (double-feature title)

  • Screening dates: 3/17 – 3/31

  • Showtimes:

    • タブチくん: 9:00 / 1:05 / 5:10

    • スターウォーズ: 10:50 / 2:55 / 7:00

  • Special admission: Adults ¥800 / Students ¥600 / Children ¥400

  • Cinema: 「京成名画座」 (Keisei Meiga-za) — 「京成青砥駅構内」 (inside Keisei Aoto Station) with printed telephone number.

In short: this is not just a poster—it’s a surviving, theatre-used Japanese display piece with its original local programming information intact.

Condition
Very Good. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.

It is over 46 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.

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