“Sanjuro” (椿三十郎), Original Japanese Re-Release Movie Poster 1976 (film 1962), Akira Kurosawa / Toshirō Mifune, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) S154
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster produced for the 1976 domestic revival release of Akira Kurosawa’s Sanjuro (椿三十郎), starring Toshirō Mifune and Tatsuya Nakadai. The film was originally released by Toho on 1 January 1962 and is widely regarded as the companion piece to Kurosawa’s hugely successful Yojimbo (1961). Surviving Japanese poster records specifically identify this B2 design as the 1976 revival issue.
Based on Shūgorō Yamamoto’s story Hibi Heian, with a screenplay by Akira Kurosawa, Ryūzō Kikushima and Hideo Oguni, the film follows nine idealistic young samurai who become entangled in corruption within their clan. They are repeatedly rescued by an apparently dishevelled but extraordinarily perceptive rōnin, who adopts the name Tsubaki Sanjūrō after glancing at the camellias outside. More humorous and satirical than Yojimbo, the film nevertheless culminates in the celebrated, explosively brief duel between Mifune and Nakadai—one of the most famous confrontations in samurai cinema.
Poster design
A superb Japanese revival design dominated by an enormous image of Toshirō Mifune as Sanjūrō, caught at the instant of drawing his sword. His clenched expression and diagonal blade give the composition tremendous movement, while the large blood-red brush title 椿三十郎 runs vertically down the left side.
The bold black lettering 黒澤明監督作品 — “A film directed by Akira Kurosawa” cuts through the centre beside Mifune, making the director’s name almost as prominent as the title itself. Below, the poster assembles the film’s principal characters in a dramatic colour montage: Tatsuya Nakadai as Muroto Hanbei, the rescued women, and the group of impetuous young samurai who Sanjūrō reluctantly takes under his protection.
The pale background and restrained palette allow the red calligraphic title, Mifune’s sword and character imagery to dominate. Although the original film was photographed in black and white, this 1976 revival campaign uses vivid colourised promotional imagery to give the classic a fresh theatrical presence for a new generation of Japanese audiences.
It is 50 years old!
Condition
Very Good+. The poster retains strong colour and excellent overall presentation.
Once framed, it will display extremely well. Please review all photographs, including the detailed front and reverse images—they show the exact poster for sale.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
