“The Hidden Fortress” (隠し砦の三悪人) — Framed original Japanese first release pamphlet-poster / program flyer for Kurosawa’s 1958 TohoScope samurai adventure masterpiece — Piece size c. 25.7 × 18.2 cm GA1
Original Japanese first-release movie program / flyer (pamphlet-poster) from the 1958 Toho release of Akira Kurosawa’s legendary jidai-geki adventure The Hidden Fortress (隠し砦の三悪人, Kakushi Toride no San Akunin). This is not a reproduction or a reprint—it’s authentic period paper from the film’s original release and is now over 67 years old.
The artwork has been beautifully presented in a cream-colored mount (matt border) and dark brown frame, which complements the bold, colorful design fantastically. Sold framed as shown—a ready-to-display, gift-worthy piece that works perfectly on an office desk or as a striking addition to a home collection.
Size (unframed paper, approx.):
• Single original Japanese flyer / program sheet (pamphlet-poster): c. 25.7 × 18.2 cm (approx. 10.12 × 7.17 in, B5 type)
• Issued for Toho Co., Ltd., Japan
Why this matters
The Hidden Fortress is one of Akira Kurosawa’s greatest films—an exhilarating blend of action, humor, and high adventure starring Toshiro Mifune as the battle-hardened general guarding a princess (Misa Uehara) and her clan’s hidden treasure while pursued by enemy forces. Its influence on world cinema is enormous, and it famously helped inspire George Lucas’ Star Wars (1977)—especially the narrative device of two bickering “commoner” characters guiding the audience through the story. For collectors, first-release Japanese cinema paper is one of the most direct and evocative connections to that original cultural moment.
About this piece
Format: one original, double-sided Japanese first-release program flyer / pamphlet-poster, now professionally mounted and framed.
• Original first release issue for the 1958 Toho distribution of The Hidden Fortress
• Presented in a cream mount with a dark brown frame (framed display included)
• Certificate of Authenticity included
Design & iconography
This striking TohoScope design is dominated by a vivid, high-impact illustration: a fierce, larger-than-life figure of the warrior-general raises his sword against a rugged mountain landscape, while the princess stands front and center, calm and defiant—an iconic visual distillation of Kurosawa’s adventure mythos. The bold red brush-script title at the bottom anchors the composition and immediately signals classic Japanese cinema of the late 1950s. The TohoScope logo at the top highlights Toho’s widescreen presentation format, closely associated with the studio’s prestige epic productions.
Translations of the main captions
Main title: 「隠し砦の三悪人」 — The Hidden Fortress (literal sense: “The Three Villains of the Hidden Fortress”)
Studio/format mark: “TohoScope” — Toho’s widescreen branding used for major releases
Rarity & significance
First-release Japanese paper for top-tier Kurosawa titles is highly sought after, and The Hidden Fortress is especially desirable due to its enduring popularity and global influence. Examples that survive well—especially attractive, display-ready pieces like this—are extremely rare and consistently in demand among collectors of Akira Kurosawa, TohoScope-era ephemera, and samurai cinema memorabilia.
Condition
Excellent condition for a genuine 1958 original. Please refer to the images provided (front and back)—this is the exact piece being sold. Light age toning and minor handling marks may be present consistent with vintage paper, but the presentation remains clean and visually impressive for display. The mount and frame are also clean and ready to enjoy immediately.
Details
Country: Japan
Year of issue: 1958 (first Japanese release)
Title: The Hidden Fortress (隠し砦の三悪人 / Kakushi Toride no San Akunin)
Studio: Toho Co., Ltd. (TohoScope branding present)
Size (unframed paper, approx.): c. 25.7 × 18.2 cm (approx. 10.12 × 7.17 in, B5 type)
Framing: Cream-colored mount (matt border) with dark brown frame
Printing: Original 1958 issue — not a reproduction / not a reprint
Verso: Double-sided (see photos for the exact reverse)
Authentication: COA included
