“Samurai Rebellion” (上意討ち 拝領妻始末), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1967, Toho First Release, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) — K101

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the 1967 Toho first release of Samurai Rebellion, directed by Masaki Kobayashi and starring Toshiro Mifune, Yoko Tsukasa, Go Kato and Tatsuya Nakadai. Its extraordinary composition centres on Mifune’s intense gaze, creating a powerful piece of Japanese film advertising.

Written by Shinobu Hashimoto, the film follows veteran swordsman Isaburo Sasahara, whose son is ordered to marry his lord’s former mistress. When the couple develop a loving marriage and the clan subsequently demands her return, Isaburo’s loyalty gives way to resistance. A deeply moving story of family, dignity and defiance, the film builds from domestic conflict towards an explosive confrontation with feudal authority.

Kobayashi’s concern with individual conscience finds a commanding expression in Mifune’s performance. Tatsuya Nakadai provides a memorable counterpoint as a fellow swordsman caught between friendship and duty, while Yoko Tsukasa brings emotional force to the woman at the centre of the dispute.

The poster translates these tensions into a remarkably direct design. An enormous, grainy black-and-white close-up of Mifune’s face fills almost the entire sheet, his eyes fixed on the viewer. Below, a smaller image shows him holding his sword upright as another blade cuts across the composition from the right.

A strip of three portraits across the top features Nakadai, Tsukasa and Mifune, introducing the principal faces of the drama. Warm photographic tones contrast with the stark central portrait, while green cast lettering and the pink Toho emblem add restrained touches of colour.

The most striking accent is the enormous red brushstroke title, running vertically down the left side. Its forceful lettering echoes the defiance expressed in the white Japanese promotional text at upper right, which declares that the clan’s cruelty can no longer be endured.

Together, the monumental portrait, intersecting swords and vivid typography make this a particularly compelling design for collectors of Toshiro Mifune, Masaki Kobayashi and classic Japanese samurai cinema.

Condition: Excellent.

The poster retains strong colour and impressive photographic detail. The front presents beautifully, with the red title and commanding central image retaining their impact.

Please review all photographs, including the front and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.

Japanese B2 size: approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Printed: 1967.
Stock code: K101.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.