“The Empire Strikes Back” (スター・ウォーズ／帝国の逆襲), Original Japanese “International Style” Movie Poster 1980, B2 Size (51 x 73cm) N146A
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed in 1980 for the first Japanese release of The Empire Strikes Back, the second film in the original Star Wars trilogy. This is the rare Japanese “International Style” variant, retaining the English campaign typography while carrying the official Japanese distribution credit at the bottom for Toho Co., Ltd.
Film background
Released in 1980, The Empire Strikes Back is widely regarded as one of the greatest sequels in cinema history and one of the defining science-fiction films of the twentieth century. Directed by Irvin Kershner, from a story by George Lucas, the film stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Kenny Baker, and David Prowse.
The film deepened the mythology of Star Wars, introducing Yoda, Lando Calrissian, Cloud City, the icy world of Hoth, and one of the most famous revelations in modern cinema. Its darker tone, emotional complexity, and expanded world-building made it a landmark in blockbuster filmmaking.
Poster design
This poster features the celebrated artwork by Japanese illustrator Noriyoshi Ohrai, whose dense, painterly style became closely associated with the visual identity of Star Wars in Japan. Ohrai’s composition is a dramatic and highly detailed montage, with the spectral presence of Darth Vader looming across the upper background, his helmet emerging from a star-filled cosmic field.
At the centre, Han Solo and Princess Leia are shown in an intimate embrace, while Luke Skywalker, Lando Calrissian, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2 occupy the heroic central grouping. Around them, the poster layers key imagery from the film: the Battle of Hoth, AT-AT walkers, Rebel trenches, a probe droid, Cloud City, a Star Destroyer, TIE fighters, and radiant starburst effects.
The top line reads “THE STAR WARS SAGA CONTINUES”, while the lower right retains the English title treatment EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. This gives the poster a very different character from the more familiar Japanese B2 release style with large red katakana text.
Rarity and significance
This is a particularly desirable Japanese variant because it combines Noriyoshi Ohrai artwork, official Japanese Toho distribution, and the English international campaign title layout. Unlike the standard Japanese theatrical poster, this version has a more global visual identity while still being an authentic Japanese release artifact.
Original Japanese Star Wars posters from the first-release era are already highly collectible, and this International Style Empire Strikes Back B2 is especially sought after by collectors of Star Wars, Noriyoshi Ohrai, Japanese film posters, and original trilogy material.
Condition
Very Good. The poster presents strongly overall with excellent colour and image impact. There is minor damage at the lower right corner border area, as shown in the detail photographs. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.
It is over 46 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
