“Samurai (Samurai Assassin)” (侍), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1965, First Release, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) O506

This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1965 for the first theatrical release of Samurai (侍)—internationally known as Samurai Assassin—directed by Kihachi Okamoto, written by Shinobu Hashimoto, and produced by Mifune Productions for Toho, with Toshiro Mifune starring as rōnin Niiro Tsuruchiyo.

Film background
Set against the political chaos of late‑Edo Japan, the film follows Niiro as he is drawn into the historical plot to assassinate Ii Naosuke at Sakuradamon. Okamoto fuses meticulous period detail with a bleak, modern sensibility, while Mifune delivers one of his most intense performances. Together with Masaru Satō’s score and Hashimoto’s sharp script, Samurai is now regarded as a cornerstone of 1960s chambara cinema.

Poster design
This B2 uses a powerful photographic action scene as its base: samurai clash in a dusty courtyard, one warrior caught mid‑leap with blade raised while others reel and strike below. On the left, the enormous red brush title 「侍」 (with small furigana “さむらい”) explodes against the dark background, instantly catching the eye. The top border is edged with musical‑staff graphics, while the green Toho roundel sits at upper right. Cast and staff credits are arranged at the bottom in white and pastel tones, with director 岡本喜八 and star 三船敏郎 prominently billed—classic mid‑’60s Toho styling that pairs stark typography with gritty realism.

This poster is in very good condition for its age (please refer to the imagery of the exact poster for sale). It retains its original folds into quarters, with mild fold wear, slight age toning, and small pinholes at the corners—typical for a Japanese theatrical poster from the period and ready to display beautifully once framed.

It is almost 60 years old.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.