“North by Northwest”, Original First Japanese Release Movie Poster 1960, Ultra Rare, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) O407

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for Alfred Hitchcock’s 1959 masterpiece North by Northwest, printed for its first Japanese run in 1960 by MGM’s local distributor. A scarce, high‑impact country design pairing Mount Rushmore’s granite grandeur with Hitchcock’s romance‑and‑peril imagery.

Why this design stands out

• VistaVision showcase: top banner 「総天然色ビスタビジョン」 (In full color VistaVision)—Hitchcock’s preferred large‑format 35mm process—signals prestige exhibition.

• Dramatic split tableau: at right, Eva Marie Saint clings to the cliff while Cary Grant reaches to save her; at left, the famous embrace and kiss; a tiny biplane threads the sky, foreshadowing the crop‑duster set piece.

• Powerful Japanese title block: the vertical logotype 「北北西に進路を取れ」 (Kita‑hokusei ni shinro o tore—“Set a course for north‑by‑northwest”) runs the full height, adding bold typographic energy unique to the Japanese campaign.

• Classic billing: cast names—ケーリー・グラント / エバ・マリー・セイント / ジェームズ・メイソン—and 「製作・監督 アルフレッド・ヒッチコック」 (Produced & Directed by Alfred Hitchcock) are featured; M‑G‑M 映画 credit at foot with the English slug NORTH BY NORTHWEST.

This is an authentic period printing from the film’s initial Japanese release window—not a reprint or reproduction.

Condition: Excellent presentation. Colors remain saturated; paper lies flat with light original fold/handling; nothing that distracts. Not linen‑backed. Photos show the exact poster you will receive.

Certificate of Authenticity included.