“Akira Kurosawa Festival” (黒沢明フェスティバル), Original Japanese Retrospective Poster 1971, Shinjuku Keio, B2 Size (51.5 × 72.8 cm) — O434

This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed for the 1971 Akira Kurosawa Festival at the Shinjuku Keio cinema in Tokyo. Held from 28 August to 10 September, with support from Kinema Junpo, the retrospective brought together thirteen films spanning Kurosawa’s career from his directorial debut, Sanshiro Sugata, to his first colour feature, Dodes’ka-den.

With its bold red background and imposing portrait of the director, this is an especially striking piece of Japanese cinema history, documenting how Kurosawa’s work was celebrated and revisited by audiences in his home country.

The festival

The headline beneath the title reads:

「『姿三四郎』から『どですかでん』まで名作、傑作をファンへ贈る!!」
“From ‘Sanshiro Sugata’ to ‘Dodes’ka-den’—bringing celebrated films and masterpieces to the fans!!”

The programme combines samurai films, contemporary dramas and portraits of post-war Japanese society. Its opening selection is followed by four double bills, with the schedule printed prominently down the right side:

• 28–29 August — Opening programme: Seven Samurai, The Lower Depths, Sanjuro, Sanshiro Sugata and Stray Dog.

• 30 August–1 September: Yojimbo and Drunken Angel.

• 2–4 September: High and Low and No Regrets for Our Youth.

• 5–7 September: Red Beard and I Live in Fear.

• 8–10 September: Dodes’ka-den and One Wonderful Sunday.

The pairing of works from different periods offered audiences an opportunity to explore the range of Kurosawa’s filmmaking. The inclusion of Dodes’ka-den, released the previous year, brought the retrospective up to his most recent feature.

Poster design

A large, high-contrast black-and-white portrait of Akira Kurosawa, wearing his familiar cap and dark glasses, dominates the left side. The sharply reduced photographic tones give his face a powerful graphic presence against the vivid red surrounding it.

Across the top, oversized black Japanese lettering sits within a broad white band. The programme occupies the right side, while the festival dates and Shinjuku Keio venue name appear below in bold white type. The restrained red, black and white palette makes the design immediately legible and particularly effective for display.

A black advertising strip along the bottom promotes Kotani Music Store in Shinjuku, listing records, music tapes, stereos, televisions, musical instruments and related services. This period advertisement adds a distinctive connection to the commercial and cultural life of early-1970s Tokyo.

The result is an appealing collector’s piece for admirers of Akira Kurosawa, Japanese repertory cinema and vintage Japanese graphic design.

Condition

Excellent+ condition. The poster retains strong red colour, crisp typography and a beautifully defined 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: O434.

Printed in 1971—now approximately 55 years old.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.