This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed in 1996 for the first-release campaign of Swallowtail Butterfly (スワロウテイル), the celebrated feature written and directed by Shunji Iwai. The film stars Hiroshi Mikami, Chara, and Ayumi Ito, with Yōsuke Eguchi, Tomoko Yamaguchi, and Atsurō Watabe in supporting roles. The music was composed by Takeshi Kobayashi, whose credit is prominently featured on the poster.
Film background
Released in 1996, Swallowtail Butterfly is one of the defining Japanese films of the decade and among Shunji Iwai’s most ambitious works. Set in the fictional, near-futuristic world of “Yentown”, the film follows a community of immigrants and outsiders living on the margins of a volatile, money-driven city. Blending crime drama, youth film, social commentary, and dreamlike visual atmosphere, it has become a cult landmark of 1990s Japanese cinema. The film is also closely associated with the music of the Yen Town Band, particularly the enduring theme “Swallowtail Butterfly 〜あいのうた〜”, performed by Chara.
Poster design
A striking and highly graphic Japanese design, built around a large black-and-white image of a swallowtail butterfly set against a softly textured pale ground. Across this monochrome image runs a vivid layer of red typography, including the English line “a Shunji Iwai film”, the Japanese title スワロウテイル, and the prominent credit “Music by Takeshi Kobayashi.” The cast block is also printed in red, creating a bold contrast with the subdued photographic background.
The lower centre carries the English title “Swallowtail Butterfly” in a more delicate, translucent style, allowing the butterfly image to remain dominant. The overall effect is refined, modern, and unmistakably 1990s in sensibility—minimal, moody, and visually memorable. It is an especially attractive design for collectors of Japanese cinema, design-led poster art, and Shunji Iwai material.
Condition
Excellent. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.
It is over 30 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
