“Pastime” / “One Cup of Coffee” (ワン・カップ・オブ・コーヒー), Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1993 (Film 1991), B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) N179

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the first Japanese cinema release of Robin B. Armstrong’s American baseball drama Pastime, released in Japan under the English-language title One Cup of Coffee and the katakana title ワン・カップ・オブ・コーヒー. The film was produced in 1991 and opened theatrically in Japan on 20 March 1993, distributed by Nihon Herald Eiga. It stars William Russ, Glenn Plummer, and Noble Willingham, and tells the story of an aging minor-league pitcher who forms a bond with a gifted young Black rookie in late-1950s America.

Poster design
A particularly elegant and unusual Japanese design, far removed from the more conventional sports-poster style of the period. The composition is dominated by a large watercolour-style illustration: a reflective portrait of the veteran ballplayer occupies the lower left, while a second, more loosely rendered figure pitches in the distance across a pale, dreamlike ballpark background. The soft washes of cream, pink, peach and light brown give the sheet a wistful, nostalgic tone that perfectly suits the film’s reflective mood.

The large handwritten English title “One Cup of Coffee” stretches dramatically across the top, while the bold katakana title ワン・カップ・オブ・コーヒー anchors the lower section. Running vertically along the right side is the poetic tagline: 「コーヒー一杯の時間。それは、ほろ苦いいつかの間の夢。」, which translates approximately as “The time of a single cup of coffee — a bittersweet, fleeting dream.” Along the bottom are three small photographic stills featuring key cast members, and beneath the title the poster proudly notes the film’s major festival recognition: “Winner of the Audience Award at the 7th Sundance Film Festival.”

The Japanese campaign is especially interesting because it foregrounds the phrase “One Cup of Coffee”—a baseball expression referring to a very brief spell in the major leagues—rather than simply marketing the film under its better-known English title Pastime. This gives the poster a more lyrical and character-driven identity, and makes it a particularly appealing piece for collectors of baseball films, independent American cinema, and distinctive Japanese poster design.

It is over 33 years old!

Condition
Excellent. The poster presents beautifully, with strong colour, an attractive clean surface, and no significant issues detracting from the artwork or overall display. The paper appears very well preserved, with only the lightest signs of age and handling consistent with an original poster of this vintage. Please review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.