This is an original Japanese STB tatekan (two‑panel standing) poster printed in 1964 for the Japanese theatrical release of Kissin’ Cousins (キッスン・カズン), the MGM musical comedy directed by Gene Nelson and headlined by Elvis Presley.
Film background
Released during Presley’s hugely popular mid‑’60s run of musical comedies, Kissin’ Cousins is a colourful, playful entry that leans into star charisma, dance numbers and romantic farce—including a dual‑role twist for its leading man. Co‑starring Pamela Austin, Yvonne Craig and Arthur O’Connell, the film remains a cult favourite among Elvis collectors and fans of the era’s bright, escapist studio entertainment—packed with period style, songs and sun‑drenched fun.
Poster design
This STB is pure pop‑era MGM: a sky‑blue, “full colour / Panavision” layout built around an energetic, full‑height star image in a white suit with a vivid red shirt, posed mid‑movement like a stage performance frozen in time. Huge diagonal red Japanese typography 「キッスン・カズン」 slices across the design with playful icons (including lips and starbursts), while swimsuit pin‑ups and a lively crowd montage at the bottom push the tone toward breezy musical comedy. The English “Kissin’ Cousins” lettering adds extra visual punch and makes the piece especially attractive for international display.
Rarity and condition
Japanese STB tatekan posters were made for cinema display and are far scarcer than standard posters today—especially for 1960s MGM titles.
This poster has notable condition issues (see photos), including heavy fold wear, edge and corner wear, and areas of tearing / paper loss along the edge. The reverse shows additional age/storage wear. Despite these flaws, the central imagery remains bold and eye‑catching, and once framed (ideally with thoughtful matting), it can still present very well as an authentic, mid‑’60s Japanese cinema display piece. Please inspect the photos carefully for a detailed view of condition.
It is over 60 years old.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
