{"product_id":"star-wars-episode-iv-a-new-hope-original-japanese-dubbed-version-theatrical-promotional-poster-1982-noriyoshi-ohrai-artwork-b2-size-51-73-cm-d24","title":"\"Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope\", Original Japanese-Dubbed Version Theatrical Promotional Poster 1982, Noriyoshi Ohrai Artwork, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) D24","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoriginal Japanese B2 theatrical promotional poster produced in 1982\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e to commemorate the first Japanese-dubbed cinema presentation of George Lucas’s \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStar Wars\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, now known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStar Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthenticity: It is important to be hyper-vigilant about counterfeits with this specific piece. Because of its legendary status, this design is one of the most heavily bootlegged movie posters in the world.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeaturing spectacular original artwork by master Japanese illustrator \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNoriyoshi Ohrai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, this special poster was associated with the dubbed-version theatrical screenings beginning on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e15 May 1982\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. It was not the standard release one-sheet for the engagement, but a distinct promotional design created for this particular cinematic event.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wording printed across the lower margin confirms its purpose:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“In commemoration of the release of the Japanese-dubbed version which starts from May 15 (Sat.), 1982.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical background\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStar Wars\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e first reached Japanese cinemas in 1978, one year after its American premiere. By 1982, the film had become a worldwide cultural phenomenon, and a Japanese-language version was prepared for theatrical presentation. This special campaign gave Japanese audiences an opportunity to experience the original film with a complete domestic-language soundtrack.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe promotional release arrived between \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Empire Strikes Back\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReturn of the Jedi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, at a moment when anticipation surrounding the saga was exceptionally high. The poster’s emphasis on the Millennium Falcon, Darth Vader and the Death Star transforms the familiar film into an expansive piece of Japanese science-fiction illustration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNoriyoshi Ohrai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNoriyoshi Ohrai was one of Japan’s most important commercial illustrators, celebrated for his extraordinary command of mechanical detail, portraiture, military imagery and cosmic spectacle. His prolific career encompassed film posters, science-fiction publications, book covers, record sleeves and video-game artwork.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOhrai first attracted international attention through his Japanese \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStar Wars\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e illustrations. His work came to the attention of George Lucas, leading to his commission for the celebrated international campaign artwork for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Empire Strikes Back\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in 1980.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe success of that image established Ohrai as one of the defining visual interpreters of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStar Wars\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e universe. He subsequently created further artwork for the original film, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReturn of the Jedi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and numerous Japanese publications. His later film-poster work included acclaimed campaigns for the Heisei-era Godzilla films, while his illustrations for franchises including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMetal Gear\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRomance of the Three Kingdoms\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e broadened his influence across popular culture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePoster design\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlike the principal American campaigns, which place Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia at the centre, Ohrai makes the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMillennium Falcon the overwhelming hero of the composition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The ship cuts diagonally across almost the entire poster, its hull rendered with an exceptional density of mechanical detail.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePanels, exhaust ports, antennae, weapon systems and surface weathering are individually articulated, giving the spacecraft tremendous physical presence. Ohrai’s fascination with machinery connects the American space opera with Japan’s highly developed visual culture of spacecraft, robots and mecha design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbove the Falcon, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDarth Vader emerges from a turbulent field of magenta, violet and black nebulae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Rather than presenting him simply as a costumed character, Ohrai transforms Vader into an almost supernatural cosmic presence. Stars appear to pass across his armour, merging his helmet with the surrounding galaxy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Death Star and its defensive battle occupy the middle distance, surrounded by TIE fighters, X-wings, laser fire and explosions. These smaller elements generate movement and scale without distracting from the Falcon’s monumental form.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe film’s human characters are gathered in a comparatively small vignette at the lower left. Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Chewbacca, C-3PO and R2-D2 appear alongside Imperial stormtroopers and creatures from the film. Their reduced scale reinforces the immense universe surrounding them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt the lower right, the familiar \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSTAR WARS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e title is presented in a restrained blue-and-white treatment, allowing Ohrai’s painted imagery to dominate. The artist’s signature is also visible within the lower-right area of the composition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthenticity and counterfeit warning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is one of the most frequently reproduced and bootlegged Japanese \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStar Wars\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e images. Authenticity must therefore never be determined from the artwork alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis exact poster has been examined and authenticated by us in detail. Its characteristics are consistent with a genuine period example, including:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCorrect Japanese B2 dimensions, composition and margins\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCorrect commemorative text along the lower border\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeriod-correct Eirin and distributor markings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFine offset-print structure and sharp mechanical detail\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppropriate vintage Japanese paper stock\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConsistent creasing visible from both front and reverse\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural age toning, oxidation and foxing to the margins and verso\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe foxing and toning support the poster’s period character, but are not relied upon as proof in isolation. Authentication is based on the cumulative agreement of the printing, dimensions, typography, margins, paper and physical construction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis poster is in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003every good vintage condition and presents impressively\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The painted image retains rich colour, deep blacks and remarkably sharp mechanical detail.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is visible foxing and age toning to the pale borders and verso, together with several horizontal creases from historical rolling or storage, scattered handling creases and minor edge wear. These characteristics are clearly documented in the supplied front, detail and reverse photographs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe poster remains visually powerful, with no major loss to the printed image. Once framed, the creasing will become considerably less prominent and the poster should display excellently. Its condition has been taken into account when pricing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eover 40 years old\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enot a reproduction or a reprint\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis exact poster has been authenticated by Japan Poster Shop.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCertificate of Authenticity included.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Japan Poster Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57174417572218,"sku":null,"price":475.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0424\/8859\/4591\/files\/Scanfrom2026-08-1806_28_31PM.jpg?v=1787046727","url":"https:\/\/japanposter.co.uk\/products\/star-wars-episode-iv-a-new-hope-original-japanese-dubbed-version-theatrical-promotional-poster-1982-noriyoshi-ohrai-artwork-b2-size-51-73-cm-d24","provider":"Japan Poster Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}