“The World of Maestro Akira Kurosawa” (巨匠 黒沢明の世界), Original Japanese Retrospective Poster c. 1971, Illustrated Portrait / Kawasaki Toho, B2 Size (51.5 × 72.8 cm) — K60

This is an original Japanese B2 retrospective poster, dating to circa 1971, for “The World of Maestro Akira Kurosawa” at Kawasaki Toho. Featuring a beautiful illustrated portrait of the director in his familiar cap and sunglasses, it celebrates the filmmaker through an unusually personal and expressive design.

The event ran from 27 November to 11 December, marking Movie Day on 1 December, with a programme spanning Kurosawa’s early work through to Dodes’ka-den.

The retrospective

The introductory text reads:

「『姿三四郎』から『どですかでん』まで映画の日（12月1日）を記念しミスタウンが贈る…………」

“From ‘Sanshiro Sugata’ to ‘Dodes’ka-den’—presented by Misstown to commemorate Movie Day, 1 December…”

The programme brought together samurai films, crime dramas and studies of contemporary Japanese life. Its principal double bills included:

• 28–29 November: High and Low and Sanshiro Sugata.

• 30 November–2 December: Red Beard and Stray Dog.

• 3 and 5 December: Seven Samurai and I Live in Fear.

• 6–8 December: Yojimbo and Dodes’ka-den.

• 9–11 December: Sanjuro and Drunken Angel.

Special programmes were advertised for 27 November and 4 December. The opening-day notice also announces an afternoon lecture, “Discussing Director Akira Kurosawa,” followed by a discussion with fans, illustrating the event’s interest in the filmmaker as well as his films.

Poster design

The centrepiece is a large drawn portrait of Akira Kurosawa, rendered with richly textured shading and expressive diagonal strokes. The illustration captures the contours of his face, the soft shape of his cap and the dark weight of his trademark glasses, creating a thoughtful, quietly imposing likeness.

The printed artwork retains the appearance of charcoal or soft pencil on textured paper. Broad areas of shadow are balanced by lighter passages across the face, while the repeated strokes give the portrait a sense of movement and depth.

Above it, oversized Japanese lettering announces “The World of Maestro Akira Kurosawa.” Pale lettering against the dark ground gives the title considerable presence, while the screening programme forms a compact band beneath the illustration.

Small film vignettes along the left edge connect the portrait to Kurosawa’s work, including an umbrella-bearing figure and a dynamic martial-arts scene. The Kawasaki Toho name anchors the lower right, accompanied by period ticket prices of ¥350 in advance, ¥500 general admission and ¥400 for students.

A particularly attractive piece for collectors of Akira Kurosawa, illustrated film posters and Japanese repertory cinema.

Condition

Excellent+ condition. The front presents beautifully, with strong contrast, clear lettering and finely preserved detail in the illustrated portrait.

Please review all photographs, including the front and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.

Japanese B2 format: approximately 51.5 × 72.8 cm.
Stock code: K60.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.