“Mothra vs. Godzilla” (モスラ対ゴジラ), Framed Original Ultra Rare Japanese first‑release movie advertisement for Honda’s 1964 kaijū classic — Size: c. 25.7 × 16.1 cm GA13
Original Japanese first‑release era (1964) promotional paper for Ishirō Honda’s Showa‑era favorite モスラ対ゴジラ (marketed here in English as GODZILLA AGAINST MOTHRA). This striking sepia / reddish monochrome design is dominated by the massive vertical title and a dramatic composite image: Mothra in flight above storm‑lashed seas while Godzilla rises roaring from the lower right—an instantly recognizable “event film” ad from peak Toho kaijū mania.
Professionally mounted and framed in a modern black frame with an off‑white mount and clear glazing. Sold framed as shown—ready to hang and a perfect gift for a Godzilla / Mothra / tokusatsu fan.
Why this matters
Mothra vs. Godzilla is one of the defining Showa kaijū crossovers: it pits Godzilla against Toho’s other great screen icon—Mothra, the guardian deity‑monster—while showcasing the studio’s special‑effects power at full stride. It’s also where the franchise’s tone becomes uniquely “Toho”: part disaster spectacle, part moral fable, with the Shobijin (the twin fairies) and Honda’s human‑scale storytelling grounding the mayhem. First‑release Japanese paper like this captures the film exactly as audiences were sold it in 1964: full‑color monster warfare that shakes land, sea, and sky.
About this piece
Format: one original Japanese 2‑fold promotional advertisement
Main / display side: Entire design devoted to モスラ対ゴジラ, with the bold vertical title, the English “GODZILLA AGAINST MOTHRA” mark, Toho branding, and cast/credit blocks.
Key credits printed on the ad include 監督 本多猪四郎 (Honda Ishirō) and 特技監督 円谷英二 (Tsuburaya Eiji), with 製作 田中友幸 (Tanaka Tomoyuki) and 脚本 関沢新一 (Sekizawa Shinichi) also present in the credit column.
Design & iconography
Mothra vs. Godzilla side (primary display)
A wonderfully graphic, high‑contrast layout that reads like a modern poster even at a distance.
Title treatment: The towering vertical 「モスラ対ゴジラ」 title is set in heavy, blocky characters that feel like carved stone—classic Toho “kaijū typography.”
Central imagery: A dynamic composite places Mothra’s huge wing/eye across the upper left while the creature’s fuzzy head and body cut through storm clouds; below, Godzilla’s open jaws surge from the sea amid spray and diagonal streaks that suggest speed, impact, and chaos.
Border motif: A distinctive musical‑staff frame runs along the edges—an elegant period design flourish that makes the piece feel “finished” and display‑ready.
Cast strip: Along the bottom edge, a row of four portrait stills (including the iconic twin‑fairy presence) anchors the spectacle with human faces and reactions.
Studio marks: The Toho roundel (東宝) appears at the top, reinforcing this as authentic studio publicity from the original run.
Translations of the main captions
Main title: 「モスラ対ゴジラ」 — “Mothra vs. Godzilla.”
Color boast: 「総天然色」 — “Full color.”
Release line at top: 「全東宝系近日大公開」 — “Coming soon to all Toho theaters” / “Nationwide Toho release—opening soon.”
Tagline (right‑side vertical copy): 「陸・海・空をゆるがす！大怪獣世紀の対決！」 — “Shaking land, sea, and sky! The monster showdown of the century!”
English mark on artwork: “GODZILLA AGAINST MOTHRA.”
Rarity & significance
Authentic 1960s first‑release era Japanese kaijū advertising—especially promotional paper that was never meant to survive—is increasingly hard to find in clean, frame‑worthy condition. This example is particularly desirable because the design is pure iconography: huge title, Toho branding, and a dramatic “Mothra above / Godzilla below” composition that instantly communicates the film’s central hook.
Condition
Excellent for age. Vintage Japanese paper print with expected age toning and light handling wear consistent with age. The image remains strong and highly displayable, with bold title blocks, clear Toho mark, and legible credits.
The piece has been professionally mounted and framed with an off‑white mat and clear glazing. Frame and mount present cleanly and are ready to display. Please review the photos—this is the exact item offered.
Details
Country: Japan
Year of issue: 1964 (first release)
Size: approx. approx. 25.7 × 16.1 cm
Printing: Original Japanese printing; not a reproduction
Format: Movie advertisement / magazine cut‑out (雑誌等の切り抜き; publication unknown)
Verso: Not shown (framed for front display)
Authentication: COA included
