{"product_id":"star-wars-c-3po-r2-d2-original-1977-japanese-commercial-poster-large-format-62-x-86-cm-za1218","title":"“Star Wars \/ C-3PO \u0026 R2-D2”, Original 1977 Japanese Commercial Poster, Large Format (62 x 86 cm) ZA1218","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"105\" data-end=\"444\"\u003eThis is an \u003cstrong data-start=\"116\" data-end=\"188\"\u003eexceptionally rare original Japanese commercial poster for Star Wars\u003c\/strong\u003e, produced during the film’s original release era and printed in Japan in \u003cstrong data-start=\"262\" data-end=\"270\"\u003e1977\u003c\/strong\u003e. Unlike standard Japanese theatrical B2 posters, this was a \u003cstrong data-start=\"331\" data-end=\"371\"\u003elicensed retail \/ merchandise poster\u003c\/strong\u003e, sold directly to the public rather than issued only for cinema display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"446\" data-end=\"947\"\u003eOrigin and rarity\u003cbr data-start=\"463\" data-end=\"466\"\u003eThis poster represents an important early Japanese Star Wars merchandising issue. It was licensed through \u003cstrong data-start=\"572\" data-end=\"593\"\u003eFactors Etc. Inc.\u003c\/strong\u003e, the American merchandising company associated with early Star Wars consumer products, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"685\" data-end=\"741\"\u003epublished and distributed in Japan by Toho Co., Ltd.\u003c\/strong\u003e The lower printed text confirms its official status, including \u003cstrong data-start=\"805\" data-end=\"848\"\u003e© 1977 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp.\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"850\" data-end=\"871\"\u003eFactors Etc. Inc.\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-start=\"873\" data-end=\"920\"\u003ePublished and Distributed by Toho Co., Ltd.\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"926\" data-end=\"946\"\u003ePrinted in Japan\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"949\" data-end=\"1283\"\u003eBecause this was a consumer poster rather than a cinema-issued theatrical sheet, surviving examples are especially difficult to find. Many would have been pinned to bedroom walls, handled frequently, or discarded after use. This makes original Japanese examples in displayable condition far scarcer than many standard theatre posters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1285\" data-end=\"1539\"\u003ePoster design\u003cbr data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1301\"\u003eA superb early Star Wars image featuring \u003cstrong data-start=\"1342\" data-end=\"1361\"\u003eC-3PO and R2-D2\u003c\/strong\u003e against a deep glossy space background. C-3PO stands prominently at left, while R2-D2 appears beside him at right, both presented at large scale with strong photographic detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1541\" data-end=\"1855\"\u003eThe background includes a looming \u003cstrong data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1589\"\u003eDeath Star\u003c\/strong\u003e in the upper left, \u003cstrong data-start=\"1609\" data-end=\"1632\"\u003eX-wing starfighters\u003c\/strong\u003e firing red laser blasts in the upper right, and a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1683\" data-end=\"1698\"\u003eTIE fighter\u003c\/strong\u003e flying between the droids. The classic \u003cstrong data-start=\"1738\" data-end=\"1751\"\u003eSTAR WARS\u003c\/strong\u003e logo appears in white outline at the lower right, creating a clean and highly recognisable composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1857\" data-end=\"2047\"\u003eThe glossy printing gives the dark starfield a deep reflective surface, visually separating it from standard matte theatrical paper and adding to its distinctive commercial-poster character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2049\" data-end=\"2381\"\u003eRarity and significance\u003cbr data-start=\"2072\" data-end=\"2075\"\u003eThis is a \u003cstrong data-start=\"2085\" data-end=\"2129\"\u003eJapan-only large-format commercial issue\u003c\/strong\u003e, measuring approximately \u003cstrong data-start=\"2155\" data-end=\"2169\"\u003e62 × 86 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, larger than the standard Japanese B2 format. Its combination of official 1977 licensing, Toho distribution, glossy Japanese printing, and classic droid imagery makes it an important early Star Wars collectible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2383\" data-end=\"2667\"\u003eFor collectors of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2401\" data-end=\"2414\"\u003eStar Wars\u003c\/strong\u003e, Japanese cinema ephemera, Toho-distributed material, and early licensed merchandise, this is a particularly desirable piece. It captures the first wave of Star Wars merchandising before the franchise became the fully globalised phenomenon it is today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2669\" data-end=\"3075\"\u003eCondition\u003cbr data-start=\"2678\" data-end=\"2681\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2681\" data-end=\"2695\"\u003eVery Good.\u003c\/strong\u003e The poster presents strongly overall, with excellent image impact and rich glossy colour. There are visible signs of age and handling, including surface scuffs and scratches in the dark printed areas, creasing, waviness, pinholes \/ fastening marks, edge wear, and some wear \/ small loss to the lower-left border area. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3077\" data-end=\"3105\"\u003eIt is over \u003cstrong data-start=\"3088\" data-end=\"3105\"\u003e49 years old!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3107\" data-end=\"3145\"\u003eIt is not a reproduction or a reprint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3147\" data-end=\"3184\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eCertificate of Authenticity included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Japan Poster Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56905317024122,"sku":null,"price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0424\/8859\/4591\/files\/man-looking-at-an-art-gallery-wall_42.jpg?v=1779237791","url":"https:\/\/japanposter.co.uk\/products\/star-wars-c-3po-r2-d2-original-1977-japanese-commercial-poster-large-format-62-x-86-cm-za1218","provider":"Japan Poster Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}