“Coming to America” / 「星の王子ニューヨークへ行く」, Original First Release Japanese Movie Poster 1988, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) ZA948

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed in 1988 for the first Japanese release of Coming to America / 「星の王子ニューヨークへ行く」, the classic romantic comedy directed by John Landis and starring Eddie Murphy.

A superb late-1980s Japanese release poster, this design is bright, playful, and highly decorative, perfectly capturing the film’s mixture of royal fantasy, New York comedy, romance, and Eddie Murphy’s star power.

Film background
Released in 1988, Coming to America follows Prince Akeem of the fictional African kingdom of Zamunda. Unhappy with an arranged marriage and determined to find someone who will love him for himself rather than his title, Akeem travels to Queens, New York, disguised as an ordinary foreign student.

Directed by John Landis from a story by Eddie Murphy, the film stars Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, John Amos, Shari Headley, and Madge Sinclair. It became a major international box-office success and remains one of Murphy’s most beloved films. The picture also received Academy Award nominations for Best Costume Design and Best Makeup, reflecting the film’s elaborate royal costuming and the celebrated transformation work that allowed Murphy and Hall to play multiple characters.

Poster design
The Japanese poster is exceptionally lively and distinctive. At the centre, Eddie Murphy as Prince Akeem stands triumphantly in royal evening dress, wearing a crown and leopard-skin cape. Behind him is a painted New York skyline, while the street below becomes a sweeping red carpet, visually linking Zamundan royalty with Manhattan spectacle.

Around the central figure are colourful star-shaped inset portraits showing Murphy and Hall’s various comic alter egos, including the barbershop and performance characters that became central to the film’s enduring appeal.

The large red headline across the top reads:

「皆の者、楽しい正月は余が与えよう。」
“To all my subjects, I shall grant you a joyful New Year.”

The vertical text on the right reads:

「ニューヨークは変身エディで花盛り！」
“New York is in full bloom with Eddie’s transformations!”

At the bottom, the Japanese title 「星の王子ニューヨークへ行く」 is printed in large white block lettering, with Eddie Murphy’s name in red above it. The design strongly reflects the film’s Japanese New Year campaign positioning: festive, humorous, and centred on Murphy as a transformational comic star.

Release note
This poster was printed for the film’s original 1988 Japanese theatrical release campaign.

It is an original period Japanese cinema poster, not a later reproduction or commercial reprint.

Condition
Excellent condition. A highly attractive example, with strong colour, bright graphic impact, clean central imagery, and excellent overall display appeal.

Please review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.

This is an original 1988 Japanese theatrical poster.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is now over 35 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.