“Akira” (アキラ), Original Japanese First-Release Theatrical Programme / Pamphlet 1988, Published by Toho, A4 Size, 24 Pages Q123C

This is an original Japanese theatrical programme / pamphlet published by Toho for the first theatrical release of Akira (アキラ), Katsuhiro Otomo’s landmark animated cyberpunk film. Issued for the film’s Japanese release on 16 July 1988, this A4-format programme was sold or distributed in cinemas as part of the original theatrical campaign.

Akira (1988) is a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk animated feature directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, produced by Ryōhei Suzuki and Shunzō Katō, and co-written by Otomo and Izo Hashimoto. Based on Otomo’s own manga, first serialized in 1982, the film set new standards for Japanese animation through its dense visual detail, fluid movement, and extraordinary depiction of Neo-Tokyo. It remains one of the most influential animated films ever made and a defining work in both anime and cyberpunk culture.

The front cover presents a striking black design centred on the monumental AKIRA title, with character and city imagery visible within the letterforms. Beneath the Japanese logo, the English text reads “ORIGINAL STORY AND DIRECTED BY KATSUHIRO OHTOMO”, using the period romanisation seen on the original programme.

Inside, the programme would have served as a cinema companion to the film, with Japanese-language production information, imagery, and promotional material. The uploaded interior/back-page image also shows a superb period advertisement for Taito’s Famicom AKIRA game, announcing the planned game adaptation with the bold text 「“アキラ”遂にファミコン化決定」 — an excellent piece of late-1980s cross-media promotional context linking the film, manga, and video game market.

Programme Details
Publisher: Toho
Release Date: 16 July 1988
Language: Japanese
Number of Pages: 24
Size: A4

Condition
Very good to Excellent, consistent with age. Please review the photos; they show the exact theatrical programme for sale. Light handling and age-related wear may be present, as expected for an original cinema programme from 1988.

It is over 37 years old!

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.