“AKIRA” (アキラ) – Original First Release Japanese Movie Poster, 1987, Ultra Rare, B1 Size (71 × 103 cm) AA9A

AKIRA Original First Release Japanese Theatrical Poster, 1987
Original B1 Poster | 71 × 103 cm | Offset Lithograph | Printed in 1987
First Release Japanese Movie Poster | No Pinholes | Certificate of Authenticity Included

This is an ultra-rare, original Japanese B1-size theatrical poster for AKIRA (アキラ), printed in 1987 for the film’s original Japanese release campaign. Presented in the highly desirable large B1 format, this poster is among the most sought-after Japanese designs associated with Katsuhiro Otomo’s landmark animated cyberpunk masterpiece.

This poster is in excellent condition.

AKIRA, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo and based on his own manga first serialized in 1982, remains one of the most important animated films of the late twentieth century. Released theatrically in 1988, the film set new standards for animation through its fluid movement, dense hand-rendered detail, and dystopian vision of Neo-Tokyo. It played a defining role in introducing Japanese animation to a global audience and has since become a cornerstone of both anime history and cyberpunk visual culture.

This striking “Neo-Tokyo / explosion” artwork captures the catastrophic energy at the heart of the film. The lower composition depicts the city radiating outward from a vast black psychic sphere, rendered in intense shades of green, teal, yellow, and black. Above the city, the monumental AKIRA title dominates the poster, with Tetsuo’s eyes visible through the letterforms, while the jagged Japanese アキラ logo appears in bold lavender and gold.

The central Japanese tagline reads:

「もう始まっている、もう止まらない…」
“It has already begun. It cannot be stopped...”

Below the tagline appears:

—ネオ東京—
—Neo-Tokyo—

Official printed details at the lower margin include the production credit:

製作 アキラ製作委員会
Production: Akira Production Committee

The dramatic scale, dark upper field, and luminous apocalyptic cityscape make this one of the most visually powerful and collectible Japanese poster designs for AKIRA.

Key Details:
• Title: AKIRA / アキラ
• Director / Original Creator: Katsuhiro Otomo
• Country: Japan
• Format: Original Japanese theatrical movie poster
• Size: B1, approx. 71 × 103 cm
• Medium: Offset lithograph
• Print Date: 1987
• Artwork Style: Neo-Tokyo / explosion design
• Condition: Excellent condition; no pinholes, vibrant colours, and strong overall presentation. Only minimal signs of age and handling consistent with a poster of this period, as shown in the detailed front and reverse images.
• Authenticity: Original first release poster; not a reproduction or reprint
• Certificate: Certificate of Authenticity included

Rarity & Significance:
• Ultra-rare B1 format, significantly harder to find than smaller standard Japanese poster sizes
• One of the most iconic Japanese theatrical poster designs for AKIRA
• Highly sought after by collectors of anime, Japanese cinema, cyberpunk, and Katsuhiro Otomo material
• A major display piece with exceptional visual impact due to its large scale and saturated colour palette
• An authentic original from the first release period, now over 37 years old

Please refer to the detailed images provided — this is the exact poster for sale, shown from both the front and reverse.

It is not a reproduction or reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.