“King Kong vs. Godzilla” (キングコング対ゴジラ), Framed Original Ultra Rare Japanese first‑release movie advertisement for Honda’s 1962 Toho kaijū crossover — Size: c. 25.7 × 34.5 cm GA12
Original Japanese first‑release era (1962) promotional paper for Ishirō Honda’s blockbuster キングコング対ゴジラ, presented as a double‑page connected cinema advertisement. The main spread is an all‑killer “VS” design: King Kong dominates the left page under the giant title 「キングコング」, while Godzilla towers on the right beneath 「対ゴジラ」, breathing atomic fire above a stormy skyline—a perfect, wall‑ready snapshot of early‑1960s Toho monster‑movie hype.
This has been professionally mounted and framed as shown in a modern black frame with an off‑white mount and clear glazing. Sold framed as photographed—ready to hang and an ideal centerpiece for a Godzilla / kaijū collection.
Why this matters
King Kong vs. Godzilla is the film that turns Godzilla into a true pop‑culture heavyweight—a widescreen, full‑color Toho event that pits Japan’s nuclear titan against the most famous monster in world cinema. It’s also explicitly marketed here as a Toho “30th Anniversary” commemorative film, underlining how major the studio considered this release. First‑release Japanese paper like this preserves the original sales pitch in one glance: Who wins—Kong or Godzilla? That simple “fight‑night” hook is the DNA of decades of kaijū cinema that followed.
About this piece
Format: one original two‑page connected Japanese movie advertisement / promotional spread
Front / main side (two‑page spread): Entire spread devoted to キングコング対ゴジラ, with Kong on the left page and Godzilla on the right, plus Toho branding and full credit/cast blocks.
Back side (two‑page spread): A full spread promoting Shochiku’s 三人娘乾杯! (a youthful, full‑color comedy/romance), with large brush‑script title, cast list, and multiple scene/portrait images.
Visible credits on the Godzilla/Kong side include 製作 田中友幸 (Tanaka Tomoyuki), 脚本 関沢新一 (Sekizawa Shinichi), and 監督 本多猪四郎 (Honda Ishirō), alongside principal cast including 高島忠夫, 佐原健二, 浜美枝, 若林映子, 平田昭彦, and 有島一郎.
Design & iconography
Godzilla side (primary display)
Printed in dramatic monochrome, the composition is built like a boxing poster—two giants, one skyline, one question.
Split “VS” layout: The vertical center join creates a perfect face‑off: Kong raised fists on the left; Godzilla squared‑shoulders on the right, atomic breath cutting diagonally into the sky.
Title treatment: Huge slab‑like katakana across the top—「キングコング」 on the left and 「対ゴジラ」 on the right—reads like heavy signage bolted to the clouds.
Tagline hook: Across the middle, the ad taunts the audience with 「ゴジラ勝つかコング勝つか」—pure, irresistible showdown marketing.
“Full Color” brag: The left side carries 「総天然色」 (“full color”), a classic period selling point even in a monochrome print ad.
Toho & anniversary marks: The Toho roundel 「東宝」 sits proudly on the right page, and a bold badge announces 「創立30周年 記念映画」—a prestige stamp that makes this spread especially collectible.
Bonus English logo: Bottom‑right features the striking English mark “KINGKONG vs GODZILLA”, bridging Japanese studio design with international monster branding.
Reverse side (secondary, but historically interesting)
The verso is a complete tonal flip: Shochiku’s 三人娘乾杯! is sold with smiling portraits, fashion‑forward styling, and lively copy—an excellent period snapshot of what Japanese cinemas were pairing alongside kaijū spectacle in the early 1960s.
Translations of the main captions
Main title: 「キングコング対ゴジラ」 — “King Kong vs. Godzilla.”
Color boast: 「総天然色」 — “Full color.”
Showdown line: 「ゴジラ勝つかコング勝つか」 — “Will Godzilla win, or will Kong win?”
Hype line: 「全世界話題の大怪獣巨篇！」 — “A giant‑monster epic the whole world is talking about!”
Anniversary badge: 「創立30周年 記念映画」 — “30th Anniversary Commemorative Film.”
Studio mark: 「東宝」 — “Toho.”
Rarity & significance
Authentic first‑release era Japanese Toho promotional paper for major Godzilla titles—especially double‑page promotional materials meant to be discarded—is increasingly difficult to source in displayable condition. This example is particularly desirable because the design is pure iconography: Kong vs. Godzilla, huge titles, Toho branding, and the 30th‑anniversary mark, all in a single, balanced, frame‑perfect spread. The reverse adds an extra layer of mid‑century cinema context, making the piece feel like a preserved slice of 1962 moviegoing culture.
Condition
Excellent for age. Original two‑page connected promotional material with expected age toning and minor handling wear consistent with age. Image and typography remain strong and highly displayable, with bold title blocks and clear credit/cast text.
The piece has been professionally mounted and framed in a modern black frame with an off‑white mat and clear glazing. Frame and mount present cleanly and are ready to display. Please review the photos—this is the exact item offered.
Details
Country: Japan
Year of issue: 1962 (first release)
Size: approx. 25.7 × 34.5 cm (about 10.12 × 13.58 in), two pages connected
Printing: Original Japanese printing; not a reproduction
Format: Movie advertisement
Verso: Shochiku feature 三人娘乾杯! (two‑page advertisement with portraits, copy, and cast/crew text)
Authentication: COA included
