“Samurai Assassin” (侍 / “Samurai”), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1965, Theatre-Used Example with Cinema-Applied Film Images, B2 Size (approx. 51 × 73 cm) — ZA428

An atmospheric original Japanese B2 poster for Kihachi Okamoto’s Samurai Assassin, starring Toshiro Mifune. Previously displayed in a cinema, this example retains additional film images attached by the theatre, giving it a distinctive connection to the practical history of Japanese film exhibition.

Released by Toho in 1965, the film follows a masterless swordsman caught in the political turmoil surrounding the planned assassination of a powerful shogunate official. Directed by Okamoto and scripted by Shinobu Hashimoto, it combines political intrigue with a tragic examination of identity, ambition and loyalty. Mifune leads a cast including Keiju Kobayashi, Michiyo Aratama and Yunosuke Ito.

The poster centres on a dramatic sword-fighting scene, with a raised blade and airborne figure creating a powerful sense of movement. The enormous red 侍 — “Samurai” title dominates the dark photographic background, while the green Toho emblem provides a small contrasting accent above.

Of particular interest are the cinema-applied illustrated panels across the lower portion, showing further combat scenes accompanied by Japanese captions. Their overlapping edges remain visible, preserving the theatre’s own adaptation of the printed poster. These additions give the piece an appealing documentary quality: a surviving example of how cinema staff supplemented publicity material to attract audiences.

For collectors of Toshiro Mifune, samurai cinema and theatrical ephemera, its display history forms an important part of its character.

Condition: Very Good. Previously folded and theatre-used, with visible fold wear, creasing, pinholes, edge tears, small areas of paper loss, age toning and marks. The attached film-image panels also show handling wear. Please examine the additional close-up photographs carefully.

We have taken the condition into account when pricing. The strong red title and dramatic imagery retain considerable visual impact, and the poster will make an evocative framed display.

This is an original vintage Japanese cinema poster, not a reproduction or modern reprint.

Approximately 61 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
Stock reference: ZA428