“Island of the Evil Spirits” / 「悪霊島」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1981, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) B282

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the first release of Island of the Evil Spirits / Akuryōtō / 「悪霊島」, Masahiro Shinoda’s atmospheric 1981 horror mystery based on the celebrated novel by Seishi Yokomizo.

Combining the traditional detective mystery of Kōsuke Kindaichi with Japanese folk horror, ritual imagery, and the isolation of the Seto Inland Sea, the film is one of the most visually distinctive productions from the Kadokawa–Yokomizo cinema cycle.

Film background

The eccentric private detective Kōsuke Kindaichi travels to an isolated island in the Seto Inland Sea after becoming involved in a mystery surrounding a powerful local family.

A succession of disturbing and apparently ritualistic murders gradually exposes long-buried secrets, forbidden relationships, village superstition, and a family history overshadowed by violence and resentment.

The film was directed by Masahiro Shinoda, with a screenplay by Kunio Shimizu, adapted from the novel by Seishi Yokomizo. The cinematography was by the legendary Kazuo Miyagawa, whose credits include some of the most important works in Japanese cinema.

The principal cast includes Takeshi Kaga as Kōsuke Kindaichi, Shima Iwashita, Masato Furuoya, Kayoko Kishimoto, Jūzō Itami, and Tatsuo Umemiya.

Produced by Haruki Kadokawa, the film combines a traditional Japanese murder mystery with an unusually modern sensibility. Its soundtrack famously incorporates recordings by The Beatles, creating a striking contrast with the film’s remote island setting and supernatural atmosphere.

Poster design

The poster uses a haunting photographic composition designed around a deep contrast between the open blue sky and a vast, almost impenetrable black cliff.

At the centre, Shima Iwashita appears behind a young woman dressed in pale ceremonial robes, carefully arranging her long black hair. Another kneeling figure is partly concealed beneath the flowing fabric, creating an ambiguous and deeply unsettling tableau.

The white robes are decorated with restrained red markings that evoke ritual garments, while the dark hair and cliff merge into the surrounding shadows. The figures appear suspended between the sea, the landscape, and some unexplained ceremonial act.

The large area of blue mist and empty sky intensifies the sense of isolation, while the near-black rock face occupies the right side like an immense supernatural presence.

The yellow vertical panel at upper right contains the title:

「悪霊島」

rendered in enormous red characters.

Beside it appears the film’s famous tagline:

「鵺の鳴く夜は恐ろしい……」

“The night when the Nue cries is terrifying…”

The Nue is a mysterious supernatural creature from Japanese folklore, traditionally associated with ominous cries, darkness, and impending disaster.

The upper-left credit block identifies the film’s major creative figures, including:

Producer: Haruki Kadokawa
Original novel: Seishi Yokomizo
Cinematography: Kazuo Miyagawa
Director: Masahiro Shinoda

A long pink billing panel beneath it lists the ensemble cast.

The poster’s design is attributed to the celebrated Japanese artist and graphic designer Aquirax Uno / Akira Uno, whose work is associated with Japan’s postwar avant-garde, theatre, underground culture, and experimental illustration.

Its restrained photographic imagery, asymmetrical layout, vivid title panel, and unnerving use of negative space make this an outstanding example of early-1980s Japanese horror poster design.

Release note

This poster was printed for the film’s original Japanese theatrical release in 1981 and distributed in Japan by Toei and Nippon Herald Films.

It is a standard Japanese B2-size theatrical poster, measuring approximately:

51.5 × 72.8 cm / 20 × 28.7 inches

It is an original period Japanese cinema poster, not a later reproduction or commercial reprint.

Condition

Very good condition. The poster retains strong colour, striking photographic imagery, clear typography, and very good overall display impact.

There are visible original fold lines, together with surface creasing, small marks, and light edge and handling wear consistent with an original Japanese theatrical poster from this period. The principal artwork, title, and credits remain complete and highly presentable.

Reference: B282.

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

This is an original 1981 Japanese theatrical poster.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is now over 45 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.