“Saga of the Phoenix” / 「孔雀王 アシュラ伝説」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 1990, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) ZA962

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the Japanese release of Saga of the Phoenix, released in Japan as Kujakuō: Ashura Densetsu / 「孔雀王 アシュラ伝説」.

A striking Hong Kong-Japanese supernatural fantasy action film, Saga of the Phoenix is the sequel to the 1988 film Peacock King / 「孔雀王」 and is based on the popular dark fantasy manga by Makoto Ogino. Combining martial arts action, tokusatsu-style spectacle, Buddhist mysticism, and late-1980s fantasy cinema, this poster is a highly distinctive example of Japanese theatrical design from the period.

Film background
Released in 1990, Saga of the Phoenix follows the demon-hunting monks Kujaku and Lucky as they protect Ashura, the Hell Virgin, from malevolent supernatural forces threatening to bring about a global apocalypse.

The film was directed by Ngai Kai-lam / Lam Nai-choi and Hajime Sato, with Raymond Chow of Golden Harvest serving as producer. The cast includes Yuen Biao, Hiroshi Abe, Gloria Yip, Loletta Lee, Yoko Natori, and Shintaro Katsu.

It remains a notable crossover between Hong Kong action cinema and Japanese supernatural fantasy, especially admired for its energetic visual effects, martial arts choreography, and Gloria Yip’s memorable appearance as Ashura.

Poster design
The Japanese poster uses a dramatic, mystical composition dominated by deep blue and green supernatural imagery. A cavern-like background fills the centre of the design, with swirling energy rings, a demonic green eye at right, and a dark palace-like structure rising at the top.

The upper section is dominated by the powerful nine-character Buddhist protective chant:

「臨・兵・闘・者・皆・陣・列・在・前」
Rin, Pyō, Tō, Sha, Kai, Jin, Retsu, Zai, Zen

These large orange characters are arranged vertically across the poster, accompanied by small circular phonetic readings. The central white tagline reads:

「暗黒の大地より『魔宮』現われ出てし七日後 この世のすべては炎に包まれるであろう…」
“Seven days after the ‘Demon Palace’ emerges from the land of darkness, everything in this world shall be consumed by flames...”

The lower section features characters releasing brilliant magical energy blasts, with Gloria Yip as Ashura standing near the centre. The main title 「孔雀王」 appears in a lavender title panel, above the large crimson brush-stroke subtitle 「アシュラ伝説」.

The overall design is bold, atmospheric, and unmistakably early-1990s Japanese fantasy cinema.

Release note
This poster was printed for the film’s original Japanese theatrical release campaign.

It is an original period Japanese cinema poster, not a later reproduction or commercial reprint.

Condition
Excellent condition. A very strong example, with vivid colour, clean imagery, sharp typography, and excellent overall display impact.

Please review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.

This is an original 1990 Japanese theatrical poster.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is now over 30 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.