“Laputa” (天空の城ラピュタ / Castle in the Sky), Original Japanese Promotional Poster 1986, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) N152A

This is an original Japanese B2 promotional poster printed in 1986 for Hayao Miyazaki’s Castle in the Sky (released in Japan as 天空の城ラピュタ / Tenkū no Shiro Rapyuta). Far rarer than the standard main theatrical designs, this is a particularly appealing concept-art style variant, using soft watercolor imagery associated with the film’s early visual development. It is an especially charming and collectible poster from the release period of what is widely regarded as Studio Ghibli’s first official theatrical feature.

Film background
Released in 1986 and written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Castle in the Sky is one of the foundational works of the Ghibli canon. The film follows Pazu and Sheeta as they search for the legendary floating city of Laputa, pursued by pirates, soldiers, and government agents. Blending aviation adventure, steampunk imagination, and a deeply human sense of wonder, it remains one of Miyazaki’s most beloved early masterpieces. The principal Japanese voice cast includes Mayumi Tanaka, Keiko Yokozawa, Kotoe Hatsui, and Minori Terada.

Poster design
This poster is distinguished by its gentle, hand-painted watercolor layout, quite different from the more familiar finished-key-art campaign designs. At centre are Pazu and Sheeta, rendered in a loose, luminous sketch style, with two white pigeons framing the composition. At the upper left is a small vignette of Pazu playing his trumpet atop the chimney, while the lower right shows Sheeta descending in the night sky, her levitation stone glowing. The bold LAPUTA title at the top, with its red-to-blue gradient, gives the sheet a strong graphic presence while preserving the airy, delicate feel of the artwork below. Altogether, it is an unusually elegant and evocative design, prized for its closeness to Miyazaki’s visual sensibility.

Rarity
This is a rare 1986 promotional variant, and considerably harder to find than the better-known standard theatrical styles. Posters using this softer concept-art approach appear far less frequently on the market, making it an especially desirable piece for serious Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki collectors.

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

This poster is an original Japanese promotional B2 from the 1986 release period.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is over 40 years old!

Certificate of Authenticity included.