Over the years we have acquired many ultra rare posters, this beautiful near mint Godzilla poster is the rarest one we have ever had.
We are very proud to present this holy grail item. Original Japanese paper from this extremely important movie is very scarce and incredibly desirable. This poster is the "Lamborghini" or "Romanée-Conti" of Japanese cinema - something that is so rare, the last time it sold in a large western Auction house (Heritage Auctions) was in 2005 - breaking all records for a Japanese Poster! This is a must-have item for any serious collector and investor.
When the first Godzilla film was made in 1954, Toho studies never predicted that it was going to be the most successful, and longest running film series in HISTORY (with over 30 films). Therefore, there was only a very limited amount of this almost 70 year old poster produced, and only a few examples exist today. Godzilla is a household name, with films still being made in 2021.
Godzilla is the undisputed heavy weight champion and most famous big screen monster ever created.
After the film's release in 1954, it was not until three years later, in 1957, when Godzilla hit the American cinemas in a heavily edited version of the film including Raymond Burr. The film is a trenchant anti-war and anti-nuclear testing screed that would have been way out of sync with the Cold War vibe of mid-'50s America.
Many books have been written about the metaphorical nature of this landmark film. This is about nuclear Armageddon and a warning to everyone in the world about nuclear war and its devastating consequences.
Being screened less than a decade after two nuclear bombs dropped on Japan killed over 100,000 people in seconds, this film embodies some of Japan's terrible experience at the end of World War II.
Please refer to the imagery as this is the exact item that is for sale. The poster is over 67 years old.
Acquiring this piece is an excellent investment, when investing in Japanese posters, it is always best to invest in the best of the best. This is one of a handful of the finest examples of this poster still in existence, and we have conservation linen-backed it to ensure it will survive for future generations.
We sent this poster from Tokyo all the way to California to our linen-backers and they have done an best-in-class job. Prior to linen backing, the poster had some minor edge and handling wear, and a chip in the lower left corner. Expert restoration has addressed these flaws, and the poster now appears very fine, to near mint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.