“Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” (スター・ウォーズ／ジェダイの復讐), Original Release Japanese Movie Poster 1983, B2 Size (51 x 73cm) J12A

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed in 1983 for the first Japanese release of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, originally released in Japan under the title スター・ウォーズ／ジェダイの復讐 — literally Star Wars: Revenge of the Jedi. Directed by Richard Marquand and produced by George Lucas, the film stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Ian McDiarmid.

Film background
Released in 1983, Return of the Jedi brought the original Star Wars trilogy to its dramatic conclusion. The film follows the Rebel Alliance’s final assault against the Galactic Empire, the rescue of Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, and Luke Skywalker’s confrontation with Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine aboard the second Death Star.

This Japanese poster preserves the historically important early title “Revenge of the Jedi” in Japanese. Lucasfilm later standardised the English title as Return of the Jedi, reflecting the idea that a Jedi would not seek revenge, but many original 1983 international campaign materials still carried the earlier title concept.

Poster design
A magnificent Japanese theatrical design using the celebrated artwork by Kazuhiko Sano. The composition gathers many of the film’s central characters and images into one powerful finale poster: Luke Skywalker stands at the centre with lightsaber raised, Han Solo holds his blaster beside him, and Princess Leia appears below in her now-iconic Jabba’s palace costume. Behind them, Darth Vader looms over the image, with the Death Star, starfighter battle, Jabba the Hutt, Wicket the Ewok, Lando Calrissian, and other key figures completing the composition.

The top headline reads: 「STAR WARSシリーズ第3弾 → 完結篇！」 — “Star Wars Series Part 3 → The Final Chapter!” The large Japanese title スター・ウォーズ／ジェダイの復讐 dominates the lower section in pale blue and red, making this one of the most visually powerful Japanese posters from the original trilogy era.

Rarity and significance
Original Japanese first-release posters for the Star Wars original trilogy remain among the most desirable modern film posters. This example is especially significant because it preserves the Japanese “Revenge of the Jedi” title, linking it directly to the early 1983 release campaign before the title history was fully standardised internationally.

For collectors of Star Wars, Japanese film posters, Kazuhiko Sano artwork, and original trilogy material, this is a highly displayable and historically important B2.

Condition
Very Good / Excellent. Light handling wear, and minor signs of age/use are visible, consistent with an original theatrical poster from the period. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.

It is over 43 years old!

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.