“PRINCESS MONONOKE / もののけ姫” (1997) – ORIGINAL JAPANESE B1 THEATRICAL POSTER – HAYAO MIYAZAKI / STUDIO GHIBLI Holy Grail Rarity | Ultra-Rare B1 Oversize | Original Japanese Release Campaign (1997) | c. 72.8 × 103 cm | Mint Restored Presentation

RESERVED

“PRINCESS MONONOKE / もののけ姫” (1997) – ORIGINAL JAPANESE B1 “STYLE A” THEATRICAL POSTER – HAYAO MIYAZAKI / STUDIO GHIBLI
Holy Grail Rarity | Ultra-Rare B1 Oversize | Original Japanese Release Campaign (1997) | c. 72.8 × 103 cm (28.7 × 40.6 in), excluding linen | Mint Restored Presentation / Professionally Linen-Backed & Restored by Fourth Cone Restoration

An exceptional, original first-release Japanese B1 theatrical poster for Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫)—Hayao Miyazaki’s monumental Studio Ghibli epic. Written and directed by Miyazaki, the film brought the conflict between humanity and the natural world into an extraordinary realm of forest gods, contested landscapes and fiercely independent characters.

This commanding “Style A” composition places San before an enormous white wolf, her blood-marked face, fur cloak, mask and blade set against the darkness of the forest. The wolf’s gaze fills the background, while the red Japanese title anchors the lower portion. Along the left, the simple instruction 「生きろ。」—“Live.” gives the image its unmistakable emotional force.

In the ultra-rare original B1 format, this is a true grail piece for the dedicated Ghibli collector. Professionally linen-backed and restored by Fourth Cone Restoration, this example is now offered with a Mint restored presentation—combining the presence of large-format Japanese theatrical artwork with the finish of a professionally conserved display piece.

Date & Japanese Theatrical Release

Princess Mononoke opened in Japanese cinemas on 12 July 1997, distributed by Toho. This poster belongs to the film’s original Japanese theatrical release campaign.

The sheet preserves the distinctive home-market presentation: the Studio Ghibli emblem at the upper left, the bold もののけ姫 title, the blue 宮崎 駿 監督作品 director-credit panel, the Japanese voice-cast column and the theatrical credits along the bottom.

For collectors, these elements are integral to its appeal. This is the film presented in its original Japanese campaign language and layout—not a later international adaptation of the artwork.

The Film & Its Place in Cinema History

A landmark of animation, and a defining moment in Studio Ghibli’s history.

The story follows Ashitaka, a young warrior searching for a cure to a deadly curse, who becomes caught between the people of Iron Town, led by Lady Eboshi, and the forest’s animal gods. At the heart of that struggle is San, a human girl raised by wolves who fights to protect the world she considers her home.

The film’s power comes from its refusal to make that conflict comfortable. Human survival, ambition, loyalty and destruction are entangled; the forest is beautiful but never harmless. Its scale is epic, yet its most difficult questions concern how individuals choose to live alongside others whose needs and loyalties may be radically different.

The original release became a phenomenon in Japan. Princess Mononoke surpassed E.T. to establish a new Japanese box-office record at the time, exceeding expectations and bringing the film—and Studio Ghibli—into a much broader national conversation.

This original B1 is a tangible piece of that moment. Its image does not soften the film into conventional fantasy: San’s resolve, the wolf’s watchful presence and the stark command to live preserve the intensity of the work itself.

Design Notes

This is a remarkably direct San-and-white-wolf composition, built around scale, expression and contrast rather than a crowded montage.

San in the foreground: Her upright posture and unwavering expression establish the emotional centre of the image. The blood around her mouth, the red facial markings, pale fur and pointed necklace create a character portrait that is both vulnerable and confrontational. Her mask and blade add further visual detail without distracting from her face.

The immense white wolf: Filling almost the entire background, the wolf gives the composition its monumental quality. Its pale fur stands sharply against the dark forest, while the low, intent gaze creates a feeling of protection and threat at the same time.

A controlled, powerful palette: White and cream dominate, interrupted by deep forest greens, dark blue clothing and concentrated red accents. The large もののけ姫 title brings those red details together across the base of the sheet.

The original Japanese typography: The restrained cast column and blue Miyazaki credit panel allow the illustration to remain dominant. Above them, the vertical slogan is given ample space:

「生きろ。」
“Live.”

It is an extraordinarily effective pairing of words and image. The poster does not explain the conflict or promise an easy resolution; it presents two figures who appear determined to endure it.

At B1 scale, the wolf’s face and San’s expression acquire exceptional presence. The result is a display piece that remains compelling both from across a room and under close inspection.

The Japanese B1 Format and Why It’s So Hard to Find

The Japanese B1 format, approximately 72.8 × 103 cm, provides roughly twice the surface area of the familiar B2. With this composition, that increase is especially significant: the wolf becomes genuinely imposing, while San’s face, costume and mask retain the detail of a much more intimate portrait.

The appeal is not simply the recognisable artwork, but the opportunity to own its scarce original large-format theatrical issue. Familiarity with an image should never be confused with the availability of an original release-era B1.

Large sheets require considerably more space and care when being handled, displayed and stored. Corners and edges are particularly exposed, and creases or small areas of pigment loss can interrupt an otherwise powerful composition. Those practical considerations make professional conservation especially relevant to an example with documented display wear.

We do not have verified print-run figures for this particular issue, so no numerical production claim is made. Its collecting significance rests on the combination of the original 1997 campaign, the ultra-rare B1 format, the commanding design and the completed Mint restored presentation.

For a serious Miyazaki collection, this is a natural centrepiece.

About the Artist: Hayao Miyazaki & Studio Ghibli

Hayao Miyazaki created the original story, wrote the screenplay and directed the film, with Toshio Suzuki producing and Joe Hisaishi composing the score. Together, their contributions helped give Princess Mononoke its combination of expansive world-building, emotional intensity and cinematic scale.

The poster reflects that ambition through a single relationship: a human figure standing before a creature of overwhelming size. San belongs within the forest image, yet her humanity remains unmistakable. That tension gives the composition much of its force.

Rather than simply advertising action, the design conveys allegiance, identity and the determination to survive. Its visual economy is particularly impressive: the forest, the wolf, the girl and one brief instruction are enough to suggest an entire world.

For collectors, this is what makes the sheet so rewarding. It captures the film’s emotional character as powerfully as its visual identity.

Condition Report

Overall presentation: Mint restored appearance / professionally linen-backed and restored.

This original poster has been professionally linen-backed and restored by Fourth Cone Restoration. The completed treatment has addressed the minor corner losses, pinholes, tears, creases and very minor and isolated areas of missing paper or pigment, resulting in a Mint restored presentation on linen.

Conservation summary:

• Professional linen backing: The original sheet has been mounted on a supporting backing. Earlier patches attached to the reverse corners were removed during the mounting process.
• Paper repairs: Missing corner areas and localised paper losses associated with pinholes and tears have been repaired.
• Colour restoration: Missing pigment along affected edges, tears and crease lines has been retouched to restore the continuity of the printed image.

Authenticity: Original 1997 Japanese B1 theatrical poster for the first release of Princess Mononoke—not a modern reproduction or later reprint.
Conservation: Professionally linen-backed and restored by Fourth Cone Restoration.
Documentation: Certificate of Authenticity included.

Please note the price is fixed for this item. It is excluded from discounts and periodic sales, including Black Friday.