“The Last Samurai” / 「ラスト サムライ」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 2003, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) F258

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the Japanese release of The Last Samurai / 「ラスト サムライ」, the epic historical drama directed by Edward Zwick and starring Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Koyuki.

One of the most prominent Hollywood films set in Japan, The Last Samurai combines large-scale battle sequences, historical drama, samurai culture, and a story of personal transformation. This Japanese poster is especially powerful, with a warm amber palette, heroic portrait composition, and strong emphasis on both Tom Cruise and the film’s leading Japanese cast.

Film background
Released in 2003, The Last Samurai follows Nathan Algren, a disillusioned American military officer hired to train Japan’s newly modernised Imperial Army. After being captured by samurai warriors, he gradually becomes immersed in their world, developing a deep respect for their discipline, philosophy, and way of life.

The film was directed by Edward Zwick, from a screenplay by John Logan, Edward Zwick, and Marshall Herskovitz. The cast includes Tom Cruise, Ken Watanabe, Hiroyuki Sanada, Timothy Spall, and Koyuki.

The film was a major international success and performed especially strongly in Japan. It received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for Ken Watanabe, helping to establish him as a major international screen presence.

Poster design
The Japanese poster uses a dramatic, warm-toned composition dominated by a large portrait of Tom Cruise in samurai armour, shown with a serious, distant expression against a fiery amber and smoke-filled background.

Below the portrait, a chaotic battlefield scene unfolds, with mounted samurai charging through smoke, explosions, and clashing weapons. The image gives the poster a grand, cinematic quality, balancing intimate character portraiture with epic historical spectacle.

At the top, 「トム・クルーズ」 is printed in elegant white katakana. The centre-lower section features the English title THE LAST SAMURAI, with the Japanese katakana title 「ラスト サムライ」 beneath. Below the title, the names of the leading Japanese cast are prominently displayed:

渡辺 謙 / Ken Watanabe
真田 広之 / Hiroyuki Sanada
小雪 / Koyuki

The theatrical release date 2003.12.6 is printed clearly at the bottom centre, with production credits arranged in fine text above.

The overall design is grand, atmospheric, and highly evocative of early-2000s Japanese poster art for major Hollywood historical epics.

Release note
This poster was printed for the film’s original Japanese theatrical release campaign.

It is an original period Japanese cinema poster, not a later reproduction or commercial reprint.

Condition
Excellent condition. A highly attractive example, with strong colour, clean imagery, sharp typography, and excellent overall display impact.

Please review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.

This is an original 2003 Japanese theatrical poster.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

It is now over 20 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.