“It Was a Faint Dream” / 「あさき夢みし」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1974, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) E252

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the original release of It Was a Faint Dream / Asaki Yumemishi / 「あさき夢みし」, Akio Jissoji’s visually extraordinary 1974 Art Theatre Guild production.

A remarkable example of 1970s Japanese independent cinema, the film combines period drama, psychological symbolism, and surreal visual composition in a poetic meditation on beauty, desire, memory, and impermanence.

Film background

Set within the refined but restrictive world of classical Japan, It Was a Faint Dream explores the emotional and psychological lives of its characters through a deliberately unconventional narrative.

Rather than approaching its historical setting as a conventional costume drama, the film unfolds through fragmented imagery, symbolic encounters, and highly stylised compositions. Its atmosphere is sensual, dreamlike, and frequently enigmatic, reflecting the transience of desire and the instability of memory.

The film was directed by Akio Jissoji, one of the most distinctive visual stylists in postwar Japanese cinema. Jissoji was celebrated both for his experimental feature films and for his influential work on the classic Ultraman television series.

The screenplay was written by the acclaimed poet Makoto Ooka. The cast includes Janet Hatta, Toshitoshi Hananomoto, Shin Kishida, Akiji Kobayashi, and Kotobuki Hananomoto.

Produced and distributed by the Art Theatre Guild, the film is widely admired for its hypnotic imagery, unconventional framing, poetic atmosphere, and fusion of classical Japanese aesthetics with avant-garde filmmaking.

Poster design

The poster presents a breathtaking surreal illustration against a deep black background, allowing the central composition to appear almost luminous.

At its centre is an immense, multi-layered figure dressed in elaborate traditional robes. The figure incorporates several faces and identities within a single body, suggesting overlapping memories, emotional states, and dreamlike transformations.

At the top stands a serene noblewoman with long black hair and closed eyes, positioned before a radiant golden full moon. A pink lotus rises within the moon, introducing a powerful Buddhist symbol of purity, awakening, and spiritual transcendence.

The central robes are decorated with cherry blossoms, birds, circular floral emblems, and intricate geometric textile patterns. As the garments cascade downward, they transform into an entire miniature landscape containing architecture, flowers, flowing water, and a traditional ox-drawn carriage.

At left, a partially unclothed male figure crouches among delicate plants and flowers, appearing to merge with the surrounding landscape. At right, another elongated male figure stands partially wrapped in pale, spectral fabric, his body dissolving into the composition.

Fine blue lines move through the black background like streams, wind, or drifting currents, linking the otherwise separate figures and reinforcing the poster’s dreamlike rhythm.

The title appears vertically at upper left:

「あさき夢みし」

Beside it, the white vertical text reads:

「実相寺昭雄監督作品」
“A film directed by Akio Jissoji”

and:

「脚本・大岡信」
“Screenplay by Makoto Ooka”

The lower-right section contains the principal cast names, including Janet Hatta, arranged vertically in white lettering. Detailed production credits, the Eirin certification mark, and the ATG emblem appear along the lower edge.

The extraordinary delicacy of the drawing, the saturated red, yellow, green, and pink robes, and the stark black ground make this one of the most visually sophisticated Japanese poster designs of the Art Theatre Guild era.

Release note

This poster was printed for the film’s original Japanese theatrical release in 1974 and distributed by the Art Theatre Guild (ATG).

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

Condition

Excellent condition. A highly attractive example, with rich colour, delicate linework, clear typography, and outstanding overall display impact.

There are light signs of age and handling consistent with an original Japanese theatrical poster from this period, but overall it presents extremely well.

Reference: E252.

Please review the photographs carefully, as they show the exact poster for sale.

This is an original 1974 Japanese theatrical poster.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is now over 50 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.