“Harry and the Hendersons” / 「ハリーとヘンダスン一家」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1987, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) E277

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the 1987 Japanese release of Harry and the Hendersons / 「ハリーとヘンダスン一家」, William Dear’s warm-hearted Amblin family fantasy starring John Lithgow, Melinda Dillon, and Kevin Peter Hall.

The Japanese campaign adopts a gentle, understated approach, showing only Harry’s expressive eye and hand behind a set of damaged blinds rather than revealing the creature in full.

Film background

While returning from a camping trip in the Pacific Northwest, the Henderson family accidentally strikes a large, unidentified creature with their station wagon.

Believing it to be dead, George Henderson brings the body home, only to discover that the enormous Sasquatch is alive, intelligent, and remarkably gentle.

The family names him Harry and gradually welcomes him into their household. His size, curiosity, and unfamiliarity with domestic life create considerable chaos, but the Hendersons soon recognise that he poses no threat.

Their principal challenge becomes protecting Harry from hunters and public attention, particularly the determined tracker Jacques LaFleur, while finding a way to return him safely to the wilderness.

The film was directed by William Dear and produced by Dear and Richard Vane for Amblin Entertainment, with Steven Spielberg serving as executive producer.

The principal cast includes:

John Lithgow
Melinda Dillon
Don Ameche
Margaret Langrick
Joshua Rudoy
Kevin Peter Hall

The original score was composed by Bruce Broughton.

Harry was portrayed by Kevin Peter Hall using an elaborate creature suit and animatronic facial mechanisms created by Rick Baker. Baker received the Academy Award for Best Makeup for his work on the film.

The combination of physical comedy, family drama, and sympathetic creature effects helped establish Harry and the Hendersons as an enduring example of 1980s Amblin fantasy cinema.

Poster design

This elegant Japanese poster is built around a large window fitted with white Venetian blinds.

The lower slats have been bent apart from behind, revealing a single blue eye, part of Harry’s fur-covered face, and several fingers gripping the damaged blinds. A small tear beneath his eye gives the image an unexpectedly tender emotional quality.

The surrounding interior remains almost completely black, allowing the eye and hand to emerge with striking clarity while preserving Harry’s mystery.

Below the window stands the Henderson family, accompanied by their dog. Their compact placement beside the immense window emphasises the creature’s scale while presenting him as a protected member of the household rather than a conventional movie monster.

The vertical pink tagline reads:

「ハリーの瞳が語りかけます。
信じることは愛の始まり…」

Translated:

“Harry’s eyes speak to you. Believing is the beginning of love…”

The black text descending through the centre reads:

「彼は今、我が家の大事なお客さま。」

Translated:

“He is now a treasured guest in our home.”

The large Japanese title:

「ハリーとヘンダスン一家」

appears in bold red lettering across the lower section, accompanied by the original English logo:

“HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS”

A rainbow motif curves beside the title, reinforcing the film’s optimistic and family-oriented character.

The cream background, lightly weathered architectural details, and restrained use of red and pink create a softer visual identity than the more spectacular creature-led imagery used in other territories.

Production credits along the base identify Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment, William Dear, Bruce Broughton, and UIP.

Condition

Excellent condition. A highly attractive example retaining clean cream tones, strong red typography, clear photographic detail, and excellent overall display impact.

There are only light signs of age and handling consistent with an original Japanese theatrical poster from this period.

Reference: E277.

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

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s 1987 release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is now approximately 39 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.