"It’s a Wonderful Life (素晴らしき哉、人生！)", Original Japanese Movie Poster 1954, First Release, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm), Style B, N209

An exceedingly rare original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1954 for the very first Japanese theatrical release of Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life. Released in the United States in 1946, the film did not reach Japan until nearly a decade later, when RKO Radio Pictures distributed it nationally. This is the scarce Style B artwork — a true treasure for collectors, and a first for Japan Poster Shop!

This poster is in excellent condition and over 7 decades old!

Film background
Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life has become one of the most beloved films in cinema history, celebrated as both a moving holiday classic and a profound exploration of community, sacrifice, and the value of every human life. Starring James Stewart as George Bailey and Donna Reed as Mary Hatch, the film tells the story of a man who, in a moment of despair, is shown what the world would have been like had he never existed. Initially modest in its reception, the film has grown in stature to be recognized as one of the greatest American films ever made and was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry.

Poster design
The 1954 Japanese Style B B2 poster is a vibrant hand-painted design, featuring James Stewart joyfully lifting Donna Reed against a soft pastel background, with the bold green Japanese title 「素晴らしき哉、人生！」 sweeping vertically along the left. English titling balances the composition, while the RKO Radio Pictures logo is prominently displayed. Its joyous imagery and luminous color palette perfectly capture the warmth and optimism of Capra’s masterpiece.

Rarity
This first release Japanese poster is extraordinarily rare. Few examples have surfaced on the market, with the Style B artwork especially scarce compared to later reissues. It represents a significant piece of international film history, connecting American postwar cinema with Japan’s burgeoning mid-century filmgoing culture.

Condition
Previously folded, subsequently stored flat, but in excellent condition for its age. This poster is totally unrestored. The colors are bright and unfaded. We have chosen not to linen back this item, as it displays beautifully in its current state. Please refer to the provided photos (front and back) for the exact item offered.

It is over 71 years old!

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.