“Howl’s Moving Castle” (ハウルの動く城), Original Japanese First Release Theatrical Poster 2004, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) C234 B

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed in 2004 for Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城) — Studio Ghibli’s sweeping fantasy romance inspired by Diana Wynne Jones’ novel, and one of Miyazaki’s most visually intricate worlds. Set against a backdrop of magic and war, the film follows Sophie, a young woman cursed into old age, and the enigmatic wizard Howl, whose wandering mechanical castle has become one of the most iconic images in modern animation.

Authenticity
As with many popular Studio Ghibli titles, there are later shop posters and commercial reprints of this design. The example offered here is a true first-release theatrical B2, printed for the 2004 nationwide campaign and not a later merchandise or museum-shop reprint, so you can buy with confidence.

Poster design
A spectacular, detail-rich key visual showcasing Miyazaki’s steampunk imagination at full power. The towering “castle” dominates the sheet—an impossible, patchwork machine of riveted metal, smokestacks, cannons, boilers, chimneys, ladders, pipes and tiny windows—walking on spindly mechanical legs across an open field beneath a dramatic sky. Warm sunset light catches the rusted plates and brass fittings, while curls of steam and smoke suggest constant motion and internal life. The elegant vertical Japanese tagline 「この城が動く。」 (“This castle moves.”) floats down the centre like a spell, and the bold red title 「ハウルの動く城」 anchors the bottom with strong theatrical impact. An exceptionally frame-friendly Ghibli design—dense with texture, yet perfectly balanced and instantly recognisable.

Condition
Near Mint. The colours remain vibrant and the artwork presents beautifully. The reverse is clean and largely blank as shown. Please review the photos (front and back); they show the exact poster for sale.

It is over 21 years old!

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.