{"product_id":"kagemusha-影武者-original-japanese-movie-poster-1980-b3-nakazuri-size-36-51-cm-akira-kurosawa-za438-copy","title":"\"Kagemusha\" (影武者), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1980, B3 Roadshow Nakazuri Size (36 × 51 cm) Akira Kurosawa N217","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"132\" data-end=\"398\"\u003eThis is an \u003cstrong data-start=\"143\" data-end=\"194\"\u003eoriginal Japanese horizontal B3 nakazuri poster\u003c\/strong\u003e printed in 1980 for the Japanese roadshow release of \u003cem data-start=\"248\" data-end=\"259\"\u003eKagemusha\u003c\/em\u003e (影武者), directed by \u003cstrong data-start=\"279\" data-end=\"297\"\u003eAkira Kurosawa\u003c\/strong\u003e and starring \u003cstrong data-start=\"311\" data-end=\"330\"\u003eTatsuya Nakadai\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"332\" data-end=\"352\"\u003eTsutomu Yamazaki\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"354\" data-end=\"374\"\u003eKenichi Hagiwara\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"380\" data-end=\"397\"\u003eJinpachi Nezu\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"400\" data-end=\"819\"\u003eThis example is especially interesting because it is not simply a standard printed poster. It includes \u003cstrong data-start=\"503\" data-end=\"548\"\u003ehandwritten Japanese roadshow information\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"550\" data-end=\"576\"\u003eadvance ticket pricing\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"582\" data-end=\"627\"\u003eaffixed black-and-white production images\u003c\/strong\u003e, including a pasted image of \u003cstrong data-start=\"657\" data-end=\"685\"\u003eAkira Kurosawa directing\u003c\/strong\u003e. These period promotional additions make this a much more individual theatre-display object, with a strong sense of local cinema use. This poster was used at a cinema in Kōchi Prefecture in Shikoku Island.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"821\" data-end=\"1193\"\u003eThe handwritten text announces the pricing and roadshow details: \u003cstrong data-start=\"886\" data-end=\"941\"\u003egeneral admission ¥1,200 \/ student admission ¥1,000\u003c\/strong\u003e, with the film opening as a \u003cstrong data-start=\"970\" data-end=\"996\"\u003eroadshow from 26 April\u003c\/strong\u003e. The orange strip reads \u003cstrong data-start=\"1021\" data-end=\"1034\"\u003e前売ご鑑賞券発売中\u003c\/strong\u003e, meaning \u003cstrong data-start=\"1044\" data-end=\"1086\"\u003e“Advance viewing tickets now on sale.”\u003c\/strong\u003e The black theatre panel reads \u003cstrong data-start=\"1117\" data-end=\"1125\"\u003e高知宝塚\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating the local cinema or venue associated with this display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1195\" data-end=\"1314\"\u003eThis is a rare and highly characterful piece of Japanese theatrical advertising for one of Kurosawa’s major late works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-section-id=\"9eqokw\" data-start=\"1316\" data-end=\"1344\"\u003eRarity and Market Context\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1346\" data-end=\"1527\"\u003eOriginal Japanese posters for \u003cem data-start=\"1376\" data-end=\"1387\"\u003eKagemusha\u003c\/em\u003e are always desirable, but this \u003cstrong data-start=\"1419\" data-end=\"1445\"\u003ehorizontal B3 nakazuri\u003c\/strong\u003e has a particular appeal because of its format and its theatre-specific additions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1529\" data-end=\"1858\"\u003eNakazuri posters were produced for short-term promotional display, often in public transport, cinema interiors, or related high-traffic advertising settings. Their purpose was immediate visibility rather than long-term preservation. As a result, they were often folded, handled, pinned, replaced, or discarded after the campaign.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1860\" data-end=\"2216\"\u003eWhat makes this example especially appealing is the combination of the printed \u003cem data-start=\"1939\" data-end=\"1950\"\u003eKagemusha\u003c\/em\u003e artwork with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1964\" data-end=\"2000\"\u003ehand-applied promotional details\u003c\/strong\u003e. The handwritten pricing, roadshow date, advance-ticket notice, theatre name, and pasted Kurosawa production still transform the poster into a distinctive surviving object from the original 1980 release environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2218\" data-end=\"2379\"\u003eFor collectors of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2236\" data-end=\"2336\"\u003eAkira Kurosawa, Japanese cinema, Toho roadshow material, and Japanese theatrical display posters\u003c\/strong\u003e, this is a particularly evocative example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-section-id=\"1tr65ao\" data-start=\"2381\" data-end=\"2409\"\u003eThe Film and the Director\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2411\" data-end=\"2507\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"2411\" data-end=\"2422\"\u003eKagemusha\u003c\/em\u003e (影武者, “The Shadow Warrior”) stands among the great late works of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2488\" data-end=\"2506\"\u003eAkira Kurosawa\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2509\" data-end=\"2855\"\u003eThe film tells the story of a petty thief chosen to impersonate the powerful warlord \u003cstrong data-start=\"2594\" data-end=\"2612\"\u003eTakeda Shingen\u003c\/strong\u003e after his death, in order to preserve the authority and stability of the Takeda clan during Japan’s Sengoku period. Through this premise, Kurosawa explores identity, illusion, political theatre, loyalty, and the psychological burden of power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2857\" data-end=\"3124\"\u003eThe film is visually monumental. Its battle scenes, banners, armour, colour design, and formal compositions show Kurosawa working on an epic historical scale, while the central theme remains intimate: a man forced to become the shadow of someone greater than himself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3126\" data-end=\"3362\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"3126\" data-end=\"3137\"\u003eKagemusha\u003c\/em\u003e premiered internationally in 1980 and won the \u003cstrong data-start=\"3184\" data-end=\"3226\"\u003ePalme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival\u003c\/strong\u003e, reaffirming Kurosawa’s global stature at a crucial stage in his career. It remains one of his most acclaimed late-period achievements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-section-id=\"1i1lpy0\" data-start=\"3364\" data-end=\"3380\"\u003ePoster Design\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3382\" data-end=\"3457\"\u003eThe printed design captures the severity and grandeur of Kurosawa’s vision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3459\" data-end=\"3830\"\u003eAcross the main image, silhouetted samurai on horseback charge through a dust-filled battlefield, with spears raised and red banners cutting through the smoky background. The large gold title \u003cstrong data-start=\"3651\" data-end=\"3658\"\u003e影武者\u003c\/strong\u003e dominates the centre of the composition, giving the poster a strong calligraphic presence. The red text \u003cstrong data-start=\"3763\" data-end=\"3774\"\u003e黒澤明監督作品\u003c\/strong\u003e identifies it as \u003cstrong data-start=\"3792\" data-end=\"3830\"\u003e“An Akira Kurosawa directed work.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3832\" data-end=\"4248\"\u003eThe most distinctive feature of this particular example is the added theatre-display material. A small pasted black-and-white photograph shows \u003cstrong data-start=\"3975\" data-end=\"4005\"\u003eKurosawa behind the camera\u003c\/strong\u003e, reinforcing the poster’s identity as a director-led prestige release. Additional black-and-white still imagery appears near the edge, giving the sheet the feel of a cinema lobby or advance-ticket display rather than a purely standard poster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4250\" data-end=\"4537\"\u003eThe handwritten elements are also important. The price line — \u003cstrong data-start=\"4312\" data-end=\"4337\"\u003e一般 ¥1,200 \/ 学生 ¥1,000\u003c\/strong\u003e — gives the poster a direct connection to the ticketing and exhibition culture of the time. The date \u003cstrong data-start=\"4439\" data-end=\"4454\"\u003e4月26日ロードショー\u003c\/strong\u003e announces the roadshow opening, while \u003cstrong data-start=\"4493\" data-end=\"4506\"\u003e前売ご鑑賞券発売中\u003c\/strong\u003e promotes advance ticket sales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4539\" data-end=\"4693\"\u003eThese additions make the poster especially appealing. They record not only the film, but the way it was physically promoted to Japanese audiences in 1980.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-section-id=\"1m1bbgb\" data-start=\"4695\" data-end=\"4724\"\u003eText and Translation Notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4726\" data-end=\"4771\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4726\" data-end=\"4733\"\u003e影武者\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4733\" data-end=\"4736\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"4736\" data-end=\"4747\"\u003eKagemusha\u003c\/em\u003e \/ “The Shadow Warrior.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4773\" data-end=\"4821\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4773\" data-end=\"4784\"\u003e黒澤明監督作品\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4784\" data-end=\"4787\"\u003e“An Akira Kurosawa directed work.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4823\" data-end=\"4866\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4823\" data-end=\"4838\"\u003e4月26日ロードショー\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4838\" data-end=\"4841\"\u003e“Roadshow from 26 April.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4868\" data-end=\"4950\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4868\" data-end=\"4893\"\u003e一般 ¥1,200 \/ 学生 ¥1,000\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4893\" data-end=\"4896\"\u003e“General admission ¥1,200 \/ student admission ¥1,000.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4952\" data-end=\"5006\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4952\" data-end=\"4965\"\u003e前売ご鑑賞券発売中\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4965\" data-end=\"4968\"\u003e“Advance viewing tickets now on sale.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5008\" data-end=\"5087\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5008\" data-end=\"5016\"\u003e高知宝塚\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"5016\" data-end=\"5019\"\u003e“Kōchi Takarazuka” — the theatre \/ venue name printed on the poster. This poster is from Shikoku Island.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"5089\" data-end=\"5101\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5103\" data-end=\"5203\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5103\" data-end=\"5203\"\u003eVery Good \/ Excellent for its age. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5205\" data-end=\"5436\"\u003eThe poster shows \u003cstrong data-start=\"5222\" data-end=\"5295\"\u003ehandling wear, creasing, edge wear, and age-related marks\u003c\/strong\u003e consistent with original nakazuri \/ theatre display use. The reverse also shows age toning and some staining, as visible in the photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5438\" data-end=\"5493\"\u003eThe condition has been taken into account when pricing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5495\" data-end=\"5523\"\u003eIt is \u003cstrong data-start=\"5501\" data-end=\"5522\"\u003eover 46 years old\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5525\" data-end=\"5567\"\u003eIt is \u003cstrong data-start=\"5531\" data-end=\"5566\"\u003enot a reproduction or a reprint\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5569\" data-end=\"5610\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5569\" data-end=\"5610\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003eCertificate of Authenticity included.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Japan Poster Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56883673432442,"sku":null,"price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0424\/8859\/4591\/files\/wall-shelf-with-ornaments-2026-05-13T094947.378.jpg?v=1778633434","url":"https:\/\/japanposter.co.uk\/products\/kagemusha-%e5%bd%b1%e6%ad%a6%e8%80%85-original-japanese-movie-poster-1980-b3-nakazuri-size-36-51-cm-akira-kurosawa-za438-copy","provider":"Japan Poster Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}