"Kagemusha" (影武者), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1980, B3 Nakazuri Size (36 × 51 cm) Akira Kurosawa N217

This is an original Japanese B3 nakazuri poster printed in 1980 for the release of Kagemusha, directed by Akira Kurosawa and produced by Toho Studios in collaboration with George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola.

Kagemusha (影武者, “The Shadow Warrior”) tells the story of a petty thief who is chosen to impersonate the powerful warlord Takeda Shingen after his death, in order to maintain clan stability during a time of war. The film explores themes of identity, power, and illusion, set against the backdrop of Japan’s Sengoku period. Featuring powerful performances by Tatsuya Nakadai and a sweeping score by Shinichirō Ikebe, it stands among Kurosawa’s great late works.

The poster design captures the intensity of Kurosawa’s vision: silhouetted samurai on horseback charge across a dusty battlefield, red banners flying and spears raised, with the bold gold title 「影武者」 dominating the composition. This striking imagery reflects both the spectacle of Kurosawa’s battle scenes and the haunting weight of the film’s central deception.

Kagemusha premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 1980, where it won the Palme d’Or, and remains one of Kurosawa’s most acclaimed achievements.

It is over 45 years old!

This poster is in very good / excellent condition for its age, with handling wear and fold lines consistent with nakazuri display use. Please refer to the imagery (both front and back) as this is the exact poster that is for sale.

We have taken the condition into account when pricing.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.