“This Transient Life” (無常), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1970, ATG, B2 Size (51.5 × 72.8 cm) — U46

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed in 1970 for This Transient Life, Akio Jissoji’s acclaimed feature debut, released through the Art Theatre Guild (ATG). A landmark of Japanese independent cinema, the film won the Golden Leopard at the 1970 Locarno Film Festival, bringing international recognition to Jissoji’s distinctive filmmaking.

Written by Toshirō Ishidō, the film explores desire, religious belief and moral responsibility through the forbidden relationship between a brother and sister, played by Ryō Tamura and Michiko Tsukasa. Its Japanese title, Mujō, refers to the Buddhist concept of impermanence, placing the characters’ actions within a wider examination of attachment and the transience of human life.

The film became the first part of Jissoji’s Buddhist Trilogy, followed by Mandala (1971) and Poem (1972). Its striking black-and-white cinematography and unconventional compositions helped establish his reputation as one of the most visually adventurous directors associated with ATG.

The poster translates this psychological intensity into an arresting photomontage dominated by Michiko Tsukasa’s face. Her hands frame her forehead as she looks directly towards the viewer, while the pale fabric of her sleeves merges into the surrounding background.

At the upper left, a smaller image of an embracing couple overlaps a large, cropped mask-like face, creating a disquieting contrast between human intimacy and theatrical expression. The layered imagery gives the design a dreamlike quality, with faces emerging from dark shadows and fading into the pale ground.

The enormous Japanese title, 「無常」, descends through the centre-left in jagged red brush lettering. Its sharp, elongated strokes provide the strongest colour in the composition. Green promotional copy sits to the left, while the English title “THIS TRANSIENT LIFE”, director and screenwriter credits, and cast names form a compact black column beside it. The ATG emblem appears near the bottom.

A compelling example of 1970s Japanese arthouse poster design, particularly appealing to collectors of Akio Jissoji, ATG and Japanese New Wave cinema.

Condition: Very Good+.

The poster was previously folded and subsequently stored flat. There are pinholes near the corners, together with relatively minor age toning.

The red title remains strong, and the central photographic imagery retains its striking display impact.

Please review all photographs, including the close-up and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.

Japanese B2 size: approximately 51.5 × 72.8 cm.
Stock code: U46.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.