“Mothra” (モスラ), Original Japanese Re-Release Movie Poster 1974, Speed Poster Size (c. 26 × 73 cm) K339A

This is an original Japanese theatrical speed poster produced for the 1974 re-release of Mothra, Ishirō Honda’s celebrated fantasy adventure, originally released in 1961. Featuring special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya, the film returned to cinemas as part of the winter 1974 Toho Champion Matsuri programme, which opened on 14 December.

Measuring approximately 26 × 73 cm, this narrow vertical design combines deep indigo photographic imagery with monumental red brush lettering, creating a particularly striking presentation of one of Toho’s most enduring monsters.

Film background

Mothra introduced the mysterious Infant Island, its tiny twin guardians, the Shobijin, and the giant creature that answers their calls. When an unscrupulous showman abducts the twins and exhibits them in Tokyo, Mothra journeys to Japan to recover them, developing from an enormous larva into a winged adult.

The Shobijin are played by Emi and Yumi Ito, the singing duo The Peanuts, whose performances give the film its distinctive musical identity. Frankie Sakai, Hiroshi Koizumi and Kyōko Kagawa lead the human cast.

Combining humour, fantasy and spectacular miniature effects, Honda’s film places human exploitation at the centre of the conflict. Mothra’s destructive journey is driven by a protective purpose, establishing the character’s unusual position as both formidable monster and guardian deity.

Poster design

The composition presents both stages of Mothra’s transformation. Across the top, the adult creature spreads its wings, with the miniature Shobijin positioned above its head. Below, the larva clings to Tokyo Tower, surrounded by military positions and the beams of a futuristic weapon.

Between these scenes, three enormous red characters dominate the sheet:

「モスラ」
“Mothra”

Their rough, sweeping edges give the title a powerful sense of movement. The restrained palette allows the red lettering to stand out against the indigo imagery and pale background, while the tower’s slender silhouette echoes the poster’s vertical proportions.

The right-hand promotional copy describes Mothra as the guardian of a mysterious South Seas island and recounts its transformation from egg to larva and giant moth. Alongside it appears:

「カラー作品 ニュープリント」
“Colour film — New print”

Cultural significance

The Toho Champion Matsuri revivals brought earlier monster films back to Japanese cinemas in shortened versions. This poster belongs to that distinct chapter in Mothra’s theatrical history, presenting the original film through the bold graphic language of its 1974 revival campaign.

Condition

Excellent. The poster retains vivid red lettering, strong photographic contrast and considerable display appeal. Please review the photographs—they show the exact poster for sale.

This is an original Japanese theatrical re-release poster from 1974, advertising the 1961 film.
It is not a reproduction or a modern reprint.

It is approximately 52 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.