“Back to the Future Part II” (バック・トゥ・ザ・フューチャー2), Rare Original Japanese First-Release Advance Movie Poster 1989, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) J175

This is a rare original Japanese B2 advance theatrical poster produced for the first Japanese release of Back to the Future Part II in 1989.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, and starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, the film reunited Marty McFly and Doc Brown for an adventure through the imagined future of 2015, an altered 1985, and the events of 1955.

This distinctive Japanese design places the DeLorean time machine at the centre of the advertising, combining a dramatic rear view of the car with enormous red Japanese lettering, electrical energy, and blazing tyre tracks. The original 9 December theatrical opening announcement remains prominently displayed along the bottom.

Film background

Following directly from the conclusion of the original film, Back to the Future Part II sends Marty and Doc into the future to prevent a crisis involving Marty’s children.

Their intervention has unexpected consequences when an elderly Biff Tannen obtains a sports almanac and uses the DeLorean to deliver it to his younger self. Returning to 1985, Marty and Doc discover a transformed Hill Valley, where Biff’s wealth and influence have reshaped their lives.

To undo the damage, they must return to 1955, revisiting the events of the first film while avoiding interference with their earlier selves.

With its intersecting timelines, visual humour, and elaborate production design, the sequel expanded the possibilities of the original story. Its hoverboards, self-lacing shoes, and flying cars became enduring symbols of its imagined future.

The film opened in Japan on 9 December 1989, the date advertised on this poster.

Poster design

The composition uses a dark, star-speckled background to frame the film’s title and the DeLorean’s spectacular departure.

Across the top, bold pale-blue Japanese text reads:

「いま、スピルバーグ＆ゼメキスが想像を超えたスケールとストーリー展開に挑む！」

“Now, Spielberg and Zemeckis take on a scale and story beyond imagination!”

The monumental Japanese title:

「バック・トゥ・ザ・フューチャー2」

fills the central section in vivid red lettering. Its angled forms suggest forward movement, while the smaller cream-coloured 「トゥ・ザ」 sits inside a red, left-pointing arrow. An enormous numeral 2 completes the design at the right.

Steven Spielberg’s name appears above the title, with the director credit below:

「ロバート・ゼメキス 監督作品」

“A film directed by Robert Zemeckis.”

These cream-coloured credits stand out against the dark background, reinforcing the prominence of the filmmakers within the Japanese campaign.

Below, the DeLorean is seen directly from behind, its rear machinery and distinctive rectangular vents silhouetted against an intense burst of white and blue electrical light. The licence plate reads:

“BK2FUT2”

Two trails of orange and yellow flame extend towards the lower corners. Their converging lines draw the eye towards the car, creating a powerful sense of depth and acceleration. Branching electrical discharges spread across the surrounding darkness, turning the time machine’s departure into the poster’s central spectacle.

The lower release announcement reads:

「12月9日㊏ロードショー」

“Roadshow from Saturday, 9 December.”

A compact billing line along the bottom includes the English film title, principal cast names, Universal and UIP information, and the 1989 Universal City Studios copyright notice.

The design communicates the film through its most recognisable machine, giving the DeLorean and the Japanese title exceptional visual prominence.

Collecting significance

This rare Japanese advance design offers a distinctive representation of one of the most recognisable science-fiction sequels of the 1980s.

Its combination of oversized Japanese typography, a dated release announcement, and DeLorean imagery makes it particularly appealing to collectors of Back to the Future, Japanese theatrical advertising, science-fiction cinema, and automotive poster art.

Condition

Excellent condition.

Reference: J175.

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

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster from the film’s 1989 first-release campaign, measuring approximately 51 × 73 cm.

It is now over 36 years old.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.