“Rashōmon” (羅生門) — Framed original Japanese first release pamphlet-poster printed in 1950 for Akira Kurosawa’s landmark masterpiece — B5 size c. 25 × 18 cm • GA4
This is an original Japanese pamphlet printed in 1950 for the first release of Rashōmon (羅生門), directed by Akira Kurosawa. It is authentic vintage Japanese cinema paper—not a reproduction or a reprint—and is now over 75 years old. This is an extremely rare item.
A superb, display-ready example, this compact B5 format can be shown almost anywhere: ideal for an office desk, a hallway nook, or as a striking piece in a home cinema room. It comes framed as shown, making it a beautiful gift for family, a friend… or yourself.
Size (unframed paper, approx.):
• Single original Japanese B5 pamphlet-poster: c. 25 × 18 cm (approx. 9.84 × 7.09 in, B5 size)
• Framed presentation included (sold framed as shown)
Why this matters
Few films changed world cinema as decisively as Rashōmon. A foundational work of modern filmmaking, it introduced many Western audiences to Japanese cinema through its international breakthrough—winning the Golden Lion at the 1951 Venice Film Festival, followed by an Academy Honorary Award in 1952. Renowned for its daring narrative structure and philosophical depth, the film stars Toshirō Mifune, Machiko Kyō, and Takashi Shimura. Owning authentic, first-release-era Japanese paper for Rashōmon is owning a tangible fragment of cinema history at the moment it began reshaping global film culture.
About this piece
Format: one original Japanese first-release pamphlet / program-style poster sheet, professionally framed for display.
• Printed in 1950 for the first release of Rashōmon
• A scarce piece of Japanese film ephemera, preserved and presented for modern display
• Certificate of Authenticity included
• Sold framed as shown — ready to display immediately
Design & iconography
This powerful design merges traditional woodblock-influenced linework with modern, graphic poster sensibilities. The bold red / yellow / teal palette is eye-catching and energetic—perfectly matching the emotionally charged, morally ambiguous world of Rashōmon. The central illustration—dynamic, tense, and sharply inked—feels like a bridge between classical Japanese print aesthetics and postwar commercial design.
Beyond film memorabilia, it also stands as a vivid example of postwar Japanese graphic design in cinema marketing, with strong studio/publication branding visible on the front (including “DAIEI NEWS / 大映ニュース”).
Translations of the main captions
Main title: 「羅生門」 — “Rashōmon”
Studio/publication branding: 「大映ニュース」 — “Daiei News”
Rarity & significance
Original first-release Japanese paper for Kurosawa’s most historically pivotal titles is highly collectible, and Rashōmon sits at the very top of that list. Surviving examples—especially those with such striking color and graphic impact—are increasingly hard to find. This is not only an exceptional Kurosawa collectible, but also a standout artifact of Japanese design and film history from the early postwar era.
Condition
Excellent condition. Please refer to the imagery (both front and back) as this is the exact poster/pamphlet that is for sale. Minor age-related handling marks may be present consistent with genuine vintage paper, but overall it remains clean, bold, and highly displayable.
Details
Country: Japan
Year of issue: 1950 (first release printing)
Film: Rashōmon (羅生門)
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Starring: Toshirō Mifune, Machiko Kyō, Takashi Shimura
Size (unframed paper, approx.): c. 25 × 18 cm (approx. 9.84 × 7.09 in, B5 size)
Printing: Original 1950 issue — not a reproduction / not a reprint
Verso: Please see photos for the exact reverse (this is the exact piece offered)
Authentication: COA included
Internal ref: GA4
