{"product_id":"akira-アキラ-ultra-rare-original-japanese-first-release-theatrical-b2-movie-poster-1988-key-art-style-a-by-katsuhiro-otomo-b2-size-c-51-73-cm","title":"“Akira” (アキラ), Ultra‑Rare Original Japanese First‑Release Theatrical B2 Movie Poster 1988, Key Art \/ Style A by Katsuhiro Otomo, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) Q191","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"620\" data-start=\"154\"\u003eThis is an \u003cstrong data-end=\"221\" data-start=\"165\"\u003eoriginal Japanese first-release theatrical B2 poster\u003c\/strong\u003e printed in \u003cstrong data-end=\"241\" data-start=\"233\"\u003e1988\u003c\/strong\u003e for \u003cstrong data-end=\"255\" data-start=\"246\"\u003eAkira\u003c\/strong\u003e (アキラ), Katsuhiro Otomo’s landmark animated feature and one of the most important works in the history of Japanese animation. Produced by the \u003cstrong data-end=\"427\" data-start=\"397\"\u003eAkira Production Committee\u003c\/strong\u003e and distributed theatrically in Japan by \u003cstrong data-end=\"477\" data-start=\"469\"\u003eToho\u003c\/strong\u003e, this is the celebrated \u003cstrong data-end=\"533\" data-start=\"502\"\u003eprimary “Key Art” \/ Style A\u003c\/strong\u003e poster: \u003cstrong data-end=\"619\" data-start=\"542\"\u003eKaneda walking toward his red motorcycle on the cracked Neo-Tokyo roadway\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"620\" data-start=\"154\"\u003eOur Japanese owner (Max Fujiwara) is an avid Akira collector, holding an extensive and almost complete collection of posters produced. This is the first time we have offered this poster for sale at our gallery. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"988\" data-start=\"622\"\u003eOften described by collectors as a \u003cstrong data-end=\"700\" data-start=\"657\"\u003e“holy grail” of anime poster collecting\u003c\/strong\u003e, this is the definitive Japanese theatrical image for \u003cstrong data-end=\"764\" data-start=\"755\"\u003eAkira\u003c\/strong\u003e—minimal, cinematic, and instantly recognisable. It is not a later revival poster, home-video poster, 4K remaster poster, or modern reproduction, but an \u003cstrong data-end=\"987\" data-start=\"917\"\u003eoriginal 1988 Japanese theatrical B2 from the film’s first release\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1194\" data-start=\"990\"\u003eThis is a major collector piece: \u003cstrong data-end=\"1061\" data-start=\"1023\"\u003efirst-release Japanese Akira paper\u003c\/strong\u003e, in the standard \u003cstrong data-end=\"1103\" data-start=\"1079\"\u003eB2 theatrical format\u003c\/strong\u003e, featuring the film’s most iconic artwork by its creator and director \u003cstrong data-end=\"1193\" data-start=\"1174\"\u003eKatsuhiro Otomo\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1598\" data-start=\"1196\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1215\" data-start=\"1196\"\u003eFilm background\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1218\" data-start=\"1215\"\u003eReleased in \u003cstrong data-end=\"1238\" data-start=\"1230\"\u003e1988\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-end=\"1249\" data-start=\"1240\"\u003eAkira\u003c\/strong\u003e is widely regarded as one of the defining animated films of the twentieth century. Directed by \u003cstrong data-end=\"1364\" data-start=\"1345\"\u003eKatsuhiro Otomo\u003c\/strong\u003e, adapted from his own manga, the film brought cyberpunk, dystopian science fiction, body-horror imagery, and large-scale hand-drawn animation to an international audience with a level of ambition rarely seen in animation at the time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2012\" data-start=\"1600\"\u003eSet in \u003cstrong data-end=\"1628\" data-start=\"1607\"\u003eNeo-Tokyo in 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e, the film follows Kaneda, Tetsuo, and the collapse of a volatile post-war metropolis shaped by political unrest, military experimentation, youth rebellion, and psychic catastrophe. Its influence extends far beyond anime, helping to define the global visual language of cyberpunk and introducing generations of viewers to the scale, maturity, and artistic force of Japanese animation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2279\" data-start=\"2014\"\u003eFor collectors, \u003cstrong data-end=\"2039\" data-start=\"2030\"\u003eAkira\u003c\/strong\u003e represents a pivotal moment: the point at which anime moved decisively from cult import status into wider international recognition. Original Japanese theatrical paper from the film’s first release is therefore of exceptional significance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2646\" data-start=\"2281\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2310\" data-start=\"2281\"\u003eDating and identification\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2313\" data-start=\"2310\"\u003eThis poster is identifiable as the \u003cstrong data-end=\"2409\" data-start=\"2348\"\u003eoriginal 1988 Japanese theatrical B2 first-release poster\u003c\/strong\u003e, measuring approximately \u003cstrong data-end=\"2449\" data-start=\"2435\"\u003e51 × 73 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e. The design carries the Japanese title \u003cstrong data-end=\"2496\" data-start=\"2489\"\u003eアキラ\u003c\/strong\u003e over the black Roman-letter \u003cstrong data-end=\"2534\" data-start=\"2525\"\u003eAKIRA\u003c\/strong\u003e logotype, with the central credits reading \u003cstrong data-end=\"2592\" data-start=\"2578\"\u003e原作・監督 大友克洋\u003c\/strong\u003e — original work and direction by \u003cstrong data-end=\"2645\" data-start=\"2626\"\u003eKatsuhiro Otomo\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2956\" data-start=\"2648\"\u003eThe lower text credits the \u003cstrong data-end=\"2705\" data-start=\"2675\"\u003eAkira Production Committee\u003c\/strong\u003e and states \u003cstrong data-end=\"2730\" data-start=\"2717\"\u003e配給 東宝株式会社\u003c\/strong\u003e, confirming \u003cstrong data-end=\"2751\" data-start=\"2743\"\u003eToho\u003c\/strong\u003e as the Japanese theatrical distributor. The lower margin carries the original production and copyright credits, together with the small theatrical approval \/ distributor marks visible at the bottom right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3198\" data-start=\"2958\"\u003eThis is the standard Japanese theatrical \u003cstrong data-end=\"3023\" data-start=\"2999\"\u003eB2 Key Art \/ Style A\u003c\/strong\u003e poster, distinct from the brown-stock opening-night \/ admission-bonus poster and distinct from later reissues, revival posters, commercial prints, and home-video advertising.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3640\" data-start=\"3200\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3217\" data-start=\"3200\"\u003ePoster design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3220\" data-start=\"3217\"\u003eThe composition is one of the most famous images in animation: from a high, slightly detached viewpoint, \u003cstrong data-end=\"3380\" data-start=\"3325\"\u003eKaneda walks alone toward his custom red motorcycle\u003c\/strong\u003e, placed horizontally across the top of the sheet. The cracked concrete roadway and pale central lane marker create a stark vertical axis, drawing the eye from the motorcycle down through Kaneda’s figure to the monumental \u003cstrong data-end=\"3617\" data-start=\"3602\"\u003eAKIRA \/ アキラ\u003c\/strong\u003e title treatment below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4002\" data-start=\"3642\"\u003eKaneda’s red riding suit is rendered with Otomo’s characteristic precision, the blue-and-white capsule patch on the back standing out as a small but crucial visual emblem. The motorcycle, equally iconic, is shown in rich red with detailed mechanical surfaces, decals, heavy bodywork, and futuristic styling that has become inseparable from the film’s identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4370\" data-start=\"4004\"\u003eThe design is deliberately restrained: no busy tagline, no collage of characters, no excessive billing. Instead, the poster relies on \u003cstrong data-end=\"4189\" data-start=\"4138\"\u003enegative space, scale, colour, and anticipation\u003c\/strong\u003e. The result is a masterclass in theatrical key art: a single charged moment before motion, where the viewer understands the world of \u003cstrong data-end=\"4332\" data-start=\"4323\"\u003eAkira\u003c\/strong\u003e before a frame of the film has begun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4675\" data-start=\"4372\"\u003eThe red brush-stroke Japanese title \u003cstrong data-end=\"4415\" data-start=\"4408\"\u003eアキラ\u003c\/strong\u003e cuts across the black \u003cstrong data-end=\"4447\" data-start=\"4438\"\u003eAKIRA\u003c\/strong\u003e logotype at the lower centre, balancing graphic force with empty space. This precise image has become the definitive visual shorthand for the film and remains one of the most recognisable posters in modern animation collecting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5852\" data-start=\"4677\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4714\" data-start=\"4677\"\u003eWhy collectors prize this example\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"4717\" data-start=\"4714\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"4777\" data-start=\"4719\"\u003eOriginal 1988 Japanese first-release theatrical poster\u003c\/strong\u003e: the key domestic cinema poster produced for the film’s initial release, not a later revival, video, or reproduction issue.\u003cbr data-end=\"4904\" data-start=\"4901\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"4943\" data-start=\"4906\"\u003eCanonical Key Art \/ Style A image\u003c\/strong\u003e: Kaneda approaching the red motorcycle is the defining visual of \u003cstrong data-end=\"5018\" data-start=\"5009\"\u003eAkira\u003c\/strong\u003e and one of the most important images in anime history.\u003cbr data-end=\"5076\" data-start=\"5073\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"5108\" data-start=\"5078\"\u003eKatsuhiro Otomo authorship\u003c\/strong\u003e: directly tied to the creator and director of the film, giving the poster unusual artistic and historical importance.\u003cbr data-end=\"5229\" data-start=\"5226\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"5255\" data-start=\"5231\"\u003eB2 theatrical format\u003c\/strong\u003e: the standard Japanese cinema poster size, highly desirable for display and central to Japanese film-poster collecting.\u003cbr data-end=\"5378\" data-start=\"5375\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"5418\" data-start=\"5380\"\u003eMajor anime and cyberpunk landmark\u003c\/strong\u003e: original paper for a film that helped reshape global perceptions of animation, science fiction, and Japanese popular culture.\u003cbr data-end=\"5548\" data-start=\"5545\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"5599\" data-start=\"5550\"\u003eIncreasing scarcity of first-release examples\u003c\/strong\u003e: many 1980s theatrical posters were displayed, folded, stored poorly, or discarded; clean, complete examples are now difficult to source.\u003cbr data-end=\"5740\" data-start=\"5737\"\u003e• A true \u003cstrong data-end=\"5771\" data-start=\"5749\"\u003e“holy grail” piece\u003c\/strong\u003e for serious \u003cstrong data-end=\"5793\" data-start=\"5784\"\u003eAkira\u003c\/strong\u003e, Otomo, anime, manga, and Japanese film-poster collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5867\" data-start=\"5854\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"5867\" data-start=\"5854\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"6005\" data-start=\"5869\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"5913\" data-start=\"5869\"\u003eExcellent vintage condition\u003c\/strong\u003e, with strong overall display appeal. The poster is \u003cstrong data-end=\"5979\" data-start=\"5965\"\u003eunrestored\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-end=\"6004\" data-start=\"5984\"\u003enot linen-backed\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"6265\" data-start=\"6007\"\u003eThe colours remain rich and attractive, particularly in \u003cstrong data-end=\"6084\" data-start=\"6063\"\u003eKaneda’s red suit\u003c\/strong\u003e, the \u003cstrong data-end=\"6108\" data-start=\"6090\"\u003ered motorcycle\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the bold black-and-red \u003cstrong data-end=\"6152\" data-start=\"6137\"\u003eAKIRA \/ アキラ\u003c\/strong\u003e typography. The main image presents extremely well, with the minimalist design retaining its full visual impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"6735\" data-start=\"6267\"\u003eThere is light age and handling consistent with original 1980s Japanese theatrical paper, including soft creasing, minor surface waviness, small handling marks, and light edge and corner wear. The reverse shows age-related toning and handling, as expected for an \u003cstrong\u003eauthentic\u003c\/strong\u003e vintage paper item of this type.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"6842\" data-start=\"6737\"\u003ePlease review the photos, including the additional close-up images, which show the exact poster for sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"6976\" data-start=\"6844\"\u003eThis is an \u003cstrong data-end=\"6916\" data-start=\"6855\"\u003eoriginal 1988 Japanese first-release theatrical B2 poster\u003c\/strong\u003e for \u003cstrong data-end=\"6930\" data-start=\"6921\"\u003eAkira\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr data-end=\"6934\" data-start=\"6931\"\u003eIt is \u003cstrong data-end=\"6975\" data-start=\"6940\"\u003enot a reproduction or a reprint\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"7006\" data-start=\"6978\"\u003eIt is \u003cstrong data-end=\"7005\" data-start=\"6984\"\u003eover 37 years old\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"7049\" data-start=\"7008\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"7049\" data-start=\"7008\"\u003eCertificate of Authenticity included.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4462\" data-start=\"4449\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Japan Poster Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56955517632890,"sku":null,"price":3250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0424\/8859\/4591\/files\/wall-shelf-with-ornaments-2026-06-08T111031.109.jpg?v=1780884643","url":"https:\/\/japanposter.co.uk\/products\/akira-%e3%82%a2%e3%82%ad%e3%83%a9-ultra-rare-original-japanese-first-release-theatrical-b2-movie-poster-1988-key-art-style-a-by-katsuhiro-otomo-b2-size-c-51-73-cm","provider":"Japan Poster Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}