“Labyrinth of Dreams” / 「ユメノ銀河」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1997, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) I374

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the first Japanese release of Labyrinth of Dreams / 「ユメノ銀河」, Sogo Ishii’s atmospheric 1997 psychological mystery starring Rena Komine and Tadanobu Asano.

Based on a story by the celebrated Japanese avant-garde writer Kyūsaku Yumeno, the film combines period drama, romantic obsession, and noir-like suspense within an increasingly dreamlike exploration of attraction and fear.

Film background

Set in provincial Japan during the early Shōwa period, the film follows Tomiko, a young woman employed as a conductor on a rural bus route.

After learning that a former colleague died in a suspicious accident, Tomiko becomes wary of the company’s newly appointed driver, Niitaka. Rumours suggest that he seduces female conductors before deliberately causing fatal crashes.

Despite her suspicions, Tomiko finds herself increasingly fascinated by him. She remains aboard his bus, attempting to determine whether Niitaka is genuinely a murderer or whether fear and desire have distorted her perception.

Their relationship develops into a quiet psychological contest in which attraction, danger, memory, and imagination become difficult to separate.

The film was directed by Sogo Ishii, now known professionally as Gakuryū Ishii, based on the work of Kyūsaku Yumeno.

The principal cast includes:

Rena Komine
Tadanobu Asano
Kotomi Kyono
Tomorowo Taguchi

The cinematography was by Norimichi Kasamatsu, whose stark monochrome photography gives the film the appearance of a half-remembered dream or rediscovered pre-war melodrama.

Poster design

This exceptionally restrained Japanese poster is dominated by a full-length photographic portrait of Tadanobu Asano and Rena Komine.

Komine stands in the foreground, her body turned slightly away from the viewer and her expression distant and guarded. Asano appears immediately behind her, looking down with an equally introspective, unreadable expression.

The separation in their gazes captures the tension between the two characters: physically close, yet psychologically isolated and uncertain of one another’s intentions.

Behind them is a brilliant corrugated yellow wall, its intense colour creating a striking contrast with the subdued clothing and serious expressions of the actors.

This bright campaign image is particularly notable because the film itself was photographed almost entirely in high-contrast black and white. The poster therefore presents the characters in vivid colour while preserving the emotional austerity and mystery of the finished film.

The English title appears across the centre:

“LABYRINTH OF DREAMS”

Directly beneath, the billing reads:

“DIRECTED by SOGO ISHII
STARRING RENA KOMINE TADANOBU ASANO”

The lower Japanese credit line identifies:

「ユメノ銀河　石井聰亙監督作品　小嶺麗奈　浅野忠信　主演」

Translated:

“Labyrinth of Dreams—a film directed by Sogo Ishii, starring Rena Komine and Tadanobu Asano.”

The absence of conventional taglines, character montages, or extensive production copy gives the design the character of a contemporary photographic art print.

Condition

Excellent condition. A highly attractive and well-preserved example, retaining vivid yellow colour, clean photographic detail, strong contrast, and excellent overall display impact.

There are only light signs of age and handling consistent with an original Japanese theatrical poster from this period.

Reference: I374.

Please review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s first-release 1997 campaign, not a reproduction or reprint.

It is approximately 29 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.