"Howl's Moving Castle" (ハウルの動く城), Original First Release Japanese Movie Poster 2004, B1 Size (c. 72.8 x 103cm)

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster printed in 2004 for the first release of Howl's Moving Castle.

Authenticity
As with many popular Studio Ghibli titles, there are later shop posters and commercial reprints of this design. The example offered here is a true first‑release theatrical B1, double‑sided for use in backlit cinema displays. It was printed for Toho’s 2004 nationwide campaign and is not a later merchandise or museum‑shop reprint, so you can buy with confidence.

Howl’s Moving Castle (Japanese: ハウルの動く城, Hepburn: Hauru no Ugoku Shiro) is a 2004 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli, loosely based on the 1986 novel by British author Diana Wynne Jones. Set in a magical kingdom on the brink of war, the story follows Sophie, a shy young hat‑maker who is cursed by the Witch of the Waste and transformed into an old woman. Seeking a way to break the spell, she finds refuge in the ramshackle walking castle of the wizard Howl and becomes entangled with Howl, fire demon Calcifer and a cast of enchanted companions.

Released in Japan in November 2004, the film was a huge critical and commercial success, drawing over 14 million admissions and becoming one of Ghibli’s most beloved works. It went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature and further cemented Miyazaki’s status as one of world cinema’s great filmmakers. Howl’s Moving Castle remains a fan favourite for its pacifist themes, rich world‑building and luminous hand‑painted backgrounds.

Design
This striking B1 campaign artwork focuses on the film’s most iconic “character”: the castle itself. Miyazaki’s towering, patchwork iron hulk dominates the composition—chimneys belching smoke, pipes and rivets layered in intricate detail, and spindly mechanical legs planted on a flower‑strewn hillside as the sun drops behind distant mountains.

A bold vertical tagline through the centre reads 「この城が動く。」(“This castle moves.”), setting the tone for the film’s sense of wonder and oddball engineering. The vivid red Japanese title 「ハウルの動く城」 anchors the lower portion of the poster with the English title beneath, while the Studio Ghibli mark appears at the top. The reverse side carries the same image in lighter inks for backlit display in cinema lightboxes.

Condition
Very Good / Excellent. This B1 is unfolded and double‑sided, with rich, saturated colour and no fading. There is one small tear, neatly repaired with archival tape (see the additional close‑up photo). Once framed, this example will display excellently, with the repair visually unobtrusive in normal viewing. Please refer to the photos (front and back) as they show the exact poster for sale.

This large double‑sided size is very rarely seen on the market.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.