“Stray Dog” (野良犬), Original Japanese Re-Release Movie Poster 1962, Toho, Very Rare, Theatre Used Condition, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) O207

This is a very rare original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1962 for the theatrical re-release of Stray Dog (野良犬), Akira Kurosawa’s acclaimed 1949 crime thriller. Starring Toshirō Mifune, Takashi Shimura and Keiko Awaji, the film combines an urgent police investigation with a vivid portrait of postwar Tokyo, establishing an important early landmark of Japanese crime cinema.

This particular example is theatre used, with minor pinholes, handling creases and some edge wear and surface rubbing. Please look closely at the additional imagery provided. We have taken the condition into account when pricing. Once framed, this poster will display excellently.

Film background
Originally released in 1949, Stray Dog follows inexperienced detective Murakami, played by Mifune, whose service pistol is stolen on a crowded bus during a sweltering Tokyo summer. When the weapon is used in violent crimes, his search becomes increasingly desperate. Working alongside the seasoned detective Satō, played by Shimura, he follows a trail through the city’s streets and criminal underworld.

The investigation develops into an examination of responsibility, desperation and the uneasy relationship between policeman and criminal. Kurosawa uses the oppressive heat and the hardships of postwar life to build tension, while the contrast between Mifune’s anxious young detective and Shimura’s experienced colleague gives the film its emotional centre.

Poster design
The composition is dominated by an intense close-up of Toshirō Mifune, his sweat-covered face immediately conveying the heat and strain of the investigation. Takashi Shimura stands at right holding a cigarette and hat, while Keiko Awaji appears seated below. The colour photographic montage brings the three principal performers together against a background of deep shadows.

The large red title 野良犬 runs down the left side, outlined in white. Across the top, the poster announces:

「巨匠黒沢明監督の代表作！」
“A defining work by master director Akira Kurosawa!”

The vertical advertising copy at right reads:

「七つの兇弾！大群衆の中に殺人犯を追う刑事！」
“Seven deadly bullets! A detective pursues a murderer through the crowds!”

The Toho roundel appears at upper right, with prominent yellow cast lettering below. The printed wording 「1949年度作品」 — “A 1949 production” refers to the film’s original production year; this poster belongs to its 1962 theatrical re-release.

Condition
Very Good / Excellent — theatre used condition. Please review the photos; they show the exact poster for sale, including both the front and reverse.

This poster is an original Japanese theatrical B2 from the 1962 re-release campaign.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is 64 years old!

Certificate of Authenticity included.