{"product_id":"dr-no-007は殺しの番号-1962-original-japanese-b2-first-release-theatrical-poster-sean-connery-james-bond-gallery","title":"“DR. NO \/ 007は殺しの番号” (1962) – ORIGINAL JAPANESE B2 FIRST-RELEASE THEATRICAL POSTER – SEAN CONNERY \/ JAMES BOND - (Gallery)","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“DR. NO \/ 007は殺しの番号” (1962) – ORIGINAL JAPANESE B2 FIRST-RELEASE THEATRICAL POSTER – SEAN CONNERY \/ JAMES BOND\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRare First-Release Design\u003c\/strong\u003e | \u003cstrong\u003eJapan-Specific Photomontage Artwork\u003c\/strong\u003e | Original Japanese Release Campaign \u003cstrong\u003e(1963)\u003c\/strong\u003e | c. \u003cstrong\u003e51 × 73 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e (20.1 × 28.7 in), excluding linen | \u003cstrong\u003eMint Restored Presentation \/ Professionally Linen-Backed by Fourth Cone Restoration\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAn exceptional, original Japanese \u003cstrong\u003eB2 first-release theatrical poster\u003c\/strong\u003e for \u003cem\u003eDr. No\u003c\/em\u003e—the film that introduced \u003cstrong\u003eSean Connery as James Bond\u003c\/strong\u003e and began the cinematic 007 series. Issued for the film’s \u003cstrong\u003e1963 Japanese release\u003c\/strong\u003e, this striking design retains its original Japanese title, \u003cstrong\u003e「007は殺しの番号」\u003c\/strong\u003e, and presents the new secret agent through an extraordinary combination of photographic montage, oversized weapon imagery and assertive typography. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe composition is immediately arresting. A \u003cstrong\u003etan-suited portrait against pale green horizontal blinds\u003c\/strong\u003e occupies the upper left, while an enormous \u003cstrong\u003eopen hand and black pistol\u003c\/strong\u003e cut diagonally across the centre. Below, smaller action and character images introduce the film’s mixture of danger and glamour. The \u003cstrong\u003ecoral-red Japanese title, pink-red 007 numerals, blue promotional copy and yellow cast lettering\u003c\/strong\u003e give the poster a vivid identity entirely its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eProfessionally \u003cstrong\u003elinen-backed and restored by Fourth Cone Restoration\u003c\/strong\u003e, this example now offers a \u003cstrong\u003eMint restored presentation\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its pale background, dramatic dark passages and richly coloured typography present beautifully together, making this a particularly impressive display piece for a collection of original James Bond material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eDate \u0026amp; Japanese Theatrical Release\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr. No\u003c\/em\u003e received its \u003cstrong\u003eworld premiere in London on 5 October 1962\u003c\/strong\u003e and first opened in Japanese cinemas on \u003cstrong\u003e1 June 1963\u003c\/strong\u003e, distributed by \u003cstrong\u003eUnited Artists\u003c\/strong\u003e. This poster belongs to the \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal Japanese release campaign\u003c\/strong\u003e, so the distinction is important: \u003cstrong\u003e1962 is the film year; 1963 is the Japanese theatrical-release year\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe original Japanese title reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e「007は殺しの番号」\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e“007 Is the Killing Number.”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIts prominence is one of the defining features of this early campaign. Rather than making \u003cstrong\u003eDr. No\u003c\/strong\u003e the principal title, the Japanese advertisement places the mysterious \u003cstrong\u003e007 designation\u003c\/strong\u003e at the centre of its appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eNear the upper-left edge, the introductory wording reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e「殺人許可証を持つ男 ジェームス・ボンド!!」\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e“James Bond—the man with a licence to kill!”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThat announcement captures the character as an exciting new arrival. It introduces the qualities that would become familiar to generations of audiences, rather than relying on an already established screen identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe smaller English \u003cstrong\u003eDr. No\u003c\/strong\u003e title and pistol emblem remain at the bottom, alongside the director’s credit and the original \u003cstrong\u003eUnited Artists distribution line\u003c\/strong\u003e. Together, these details preserve the character of the film’s first Japanese advertising campaign.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe Film \u0026amp; Its Place in Cinema History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe first cinematic James Bond—and the beginning of one of the most successful and enduring film series ever created.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eWith \u003cem\u003eDr. No\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eSean Connery became the first actor to portray James Bond in a feature film\u003c\/strong\u003e, establishing the combination of assurance, physical authority and dry humour that would define the character on screen. The series that followed became a worldwide phenomenon, sustaining its place in cinema across more than six decades. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe story sends Bond to \u003cstrong\u003eJamaica\u003c\/strong\u003e to investigate the suspected murder of a fellow intelligence officer. With assistance from \u003cstrong\u003eFelix Leiter and Quarrel\u003c\/strong\u003e, his investigation leads towards \u003cstrong\u003eCrab Key\u003c\/strong\u003e, the private island of the mysterious \u003cstrong\u003eDr. No\u003c\/strong\u003e. There, an encounter with \u003cstrong\u003eHoney Ryder\u003c\/strong\u003e draws him further into a confrontation involving a secret installation and interference with the American space programme. \u003cstrong\u003eUrsula Andress, Joseph Wiseman and Jack Lord\u003c\/strong\u003e join Connery in the principal cast. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eProduced by \u003cstrong\u003eHarry Saltzman and Albert R. Broccoli\u003c\/strong\u003e, with approximately \u003cstrong\u003eUS$1 million in initial financing\u003c\/strong\u003e, the film was a comparatively modest beginning for what became an enormous franchise. \u003cstrong\u003eTerence Young’s direction\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eKen Adam’s production design\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eMaurice Binder’s opening titles\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eMonty Norman’s James Bond Theme, arranged by John Barry\u003c\/strong\u003e, established much of the series’ visual and musical identity from its first instalment. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor collectors, that foundational position gives \u003cem\u003eDr. No\u003c\/em\u003e material a particular significance. This is not simply publicity for another Bond adventure: it belongs to the film in which the screen character’s world first took shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe Japanese poster adds another dimension. It records that beginning through a local campaign with its own title, colour palette and visual priorities—\u003cstrong\u003ean original Japanese introduction to a character who would become internationally recognisable\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eDesign Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis is a wonderfully forceful \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese photographic-montage composition\u003c\/strong\u003e, organised around diagonals, changes of scale and sharply contrasting areas of colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe upper-left portrait:\u003c\/strong\u003e A tan jacket, white shirt and dark tie establish a composed, elegantly dressed figure, while the pistol introduces an immediate note of danger. The pale green blinds behind the portrait provide both atmosphere and a repeating geometric pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe enormous central hand and pistol:\u003c\/strong\u003e The most unusual element is the dramatically enlarged weapon image crossing the middle of the sheet. The open palm and dark pistol dominate the composition, turning an object associated with the story into an almost abstract graphic device. Its diagonal placement connects the upper portrait to the darker field on the right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Japanese title:\u003c\/strong\u003e The towering \u003cstrong\u003e「007は殺しの番号」\u003c\/strong\u003e lettering descends through the right-hand side in vivid red and coral tones. Above it, the pink-red \u003cstrong\u003e007 numerals\u003c\/strong\u003e sit over a dark, irregular burst. The lettering’s roughened texture gives the title a printed, tactile character rather than the polished uniformity of a modern logo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe supporting montage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smaller figures across the lower section introduce physical action, glamour and menace. A kicking confrontation occupies the lower left, while a seated figure in a pale blue costume and a white-jacketed figure with black gloves balance the opposite side. These compact images suggest the film’s attractions without competing with the enormous central weapon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe colour relationships:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palette is particularly distinctive: \u003cstrong\u003emint green, tan, cream, deep plum-black, coral red, pink, blue and yellow\u003c\/strong\u003e. The pale passages allow the photographic detail to remain clear, while the dark diagonals give the composition weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe vertical campaign copy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue Japanese text runs through the centre, promoting assassins, tropical danger and the threat of a silenced gun. Yellow cast names descend along the left edge. Their contrasting colours make the text part of the artwork rather than a separate layer of information.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe lower title treatment:\u003c\/strong\u003e The small red \u003cstrong\u003eDr. No\u003c\/strong\u003e lettering and black pistol emblem provide a final point of recognition beneath the much larger Japanese title.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe result is not merely a collection of stills. \u003cstrong\u003eThe arrangement transforms photographic publicity into a coherent, distinctly Japanese design—tense, colourful and immediately memorable.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe Japanese B2 Format and Why This First-Release Design Is So Desirable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe Japanese \u003cstrong\u003eB2 format\u003c\/strong\u003e, approximately \u003cstrong\u003e51 × 73 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, is the classic single-sheet cinema-poster size. It offers substantial visual presence while remaining practical to frame and display. \u003cstrong\u003eB2 itself is a standard format; the rarity here lies in the original first-release \u003cem\u003eDr. No\u003c\/em\u003e printing and its early Japanese campaign design\u003c\/strong\u003e, rather than in the paper size alone. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis distinction matters. The artwork may be familiar through later reproductions or images published online, but familiarity with the design is not the same as access to an original theatrical sheet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe composition also works particularly well at B2 scale. The title is large enough to dominate a room, yet the smaller action scenes, period lettering and photographic details remain rewarding at closer viewing distances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIts appeal brings together several important qualities: \u003cstrong\u003ethe first Bond film, the original Japanese release title, a Japan-specific composition and a beautifully restored presentation on linen\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor a serious 007 collection, this is a meaningful starting point: \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal publicity for the film that began the series, presented through one of its most distinctive international campaigns\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eAbout the Design: Japanese Bond Poster Art \u0026amp; Terence Young’s Screen Style\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJapanese James Bond posters are celebrated for their inventive layouts, bold typography and striking reinterpretations of familiar publicity imagery.\u003c\/strong\u003e Their appeal often lies in how strongly they depart from the arrangement of the corresponding British or American advertisements. Early Connery-era designs are a particularly important collecting category. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis example demonstrates those qualities beautifully. The photographs provide the raw material, but the \u003cstrong\u003eoversized hand, overlapping diagonals, coloured vertical text and extraordinary title treatment\u003c\/strong\u003e create an independent visual identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eindividual Japanese poster designer is not credited on this sheet\u003c\/strong\u003e, and no unsupported artist attribution is made. The composition should be appreciated as the work of the original Japanese theatrical campaign rather than assigned to an illustrator associated with another country’s \u003cem\u003eDr. No\u003c\/em\u003e posters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIts balance of elegance and danger also reflects the screen character shaped by \u003cstrong\u003eTerence Young\u003c\/strong\u003e. Young helped Connery develop Bond’s ease with tailored clothes and sophisticated surroundings, while preserving the physical confidence that made the performance convincing. That mixture became central to the early films. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe poster expresses the same contrast visually: \u003cstrong\u003ea carefully dressed figure, a composed expression, and a weapon enlarged to an almost confrontational scale\u003c\/strong\u003e. Refinement and threat occupy the same image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eOverall presentation: \u003cstrong\u003eMint restored appearance \/ professionally linen-backed and restored by Fourth Cone Restoration.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis original vintage poster has undergone \u003cstrong\u003eprofessional cleaning, linen backing and localised restoration\u003c\/strong\u003e. It now presents beautifully, with an even overall appearance, strong photographic detail and a particularly attractive balance between the pale background, dark montage and colourful Japanese lettering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConservation summary:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProfessional linen backing and cleaning:\u003c\/strong\u003e The poster was mounted successfully, and much of its earlier staining and discolouration was reduced during treatment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocalised paper and colour restoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Conservation addressed \u003cstrong\u003eedge wear, and remaining minor age related staining along the left edge\u003c\/strong\u003e. These are restored features, rather than evidence that the poster survived untouched.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinished presentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e The completed restoration preserves the design’s visual impact, including the mint-green background, dramatic central pistol, red Japanese title and smaller photographic montages. Fourth Cone confirmed completion and supplied the finished photograph shown here. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMint describes the poster’s restored presentation on linen—not an untouched, unused or unrestored paper condition.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is an original theatrical poster whose earlier wear has been professionally treated to achieve its present display quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthenticity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese B2 first-release theatrical poster for \u003cem\u003eDr. No\u003c\/em\u003e, issued for the 1963 Japanese campaign\u003c\/strong\u003e—\u003cstrong\u003enot a modern reproduction or later commemorative reprint\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConservation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Professionally linen-backed and restored by \u003cstrong\u003eFourth Cone Restoration\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDocumentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCertificate of Authenticity included.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Please refer to the image provided—this is the \u003cstrong\u003eexact poster offered\u003c\/strong\u003e and the poster you will receive.)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Japan Poster Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57295530492282,"sku":null,"price":3000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0424\/8859\/4591\/files\/Dr.No_Restored_3670.jpg?v=1790127309","url":"https:\/\/japanposter.co.uk\/products\/dr-no-007%e3%81%af%e6%ae%ba%e3%81%97%e3%81%ae%e7%95%aa%e5%8f%b7-1962-original-japanese-b2-first-release-theatrical-poster-sean-connery-james-bond-gallery","provider":"Japan Poster Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}