"My Neighbor Totoro", Original Award-Reissue Japanese Movie Poster 1989, Ultra Rare Alternative Artwork, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) G179
This is an original Japanese poster printed in 1989 to celebrate the many prizes My Neighbor Totoro won during its nine-month domestic run. It features alternative artwork seen only on this limited award version—Totoro’s grin fills the treetops while Satsuki, Mei and the Catbus peer playfully from the branches.
Japanese copy (with English translation)
Top banner:
「このへんな生きものは、まだ日本にいるのです。たぶん。」
“These strange creatures are still living somewhere in Japan… probably.”
Vertical text by the trunk:
「トトロ いたんだよ！」
“Totoro was really there!”
Red award ribbons:
「’88年度日本映画賞を受賞！」 – Winner of the 1988 Japan Film Prize!
「あらゆる人々が絶賛した永遠の傑作！」 – An eternal masterpiece praised by audiences everywhere!
The white block lists honours such as the Animage Anime Grand Prix, Mainichi Film Award, Blue Ribbon Special Prize, and more.
Film background
My Neighbor Totoro (Japanese: となりのトトロ, Tonari no Totoro) is Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 animated fantasy produced by Studio Ghibli and released theatrically as a double bill with the war drama Grave of the Fireflies. Initial box-office returns were modest, but extended play and critical acclaim turned both films into modern classics. Internationally, Totoro is now one of the most beloved and recognisable characters in cinema history.
Why this poster matters
Award re-issue – Only two designs were printed in 1989 to trumpet the film’s trophy haul; both are far scarcer than the 1988 advance and release sheets.
Striking alternative art – Catbus looms in the canopy, making this a standout companion to the iconic bus-stop image.
Investment appeal – Early Totoro posters have risen steadily as Studio Ghibli’s global fan base and museum exhibitions multiply.
It is over 35 years old!
This poster is in excellent condition. Please refer to the imagery (front and back) as this is the exact poster that is for sale.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
