“The Man” / “Ninkyo Retsuden: Otoko” (任侠列伝 男), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1971, Koji Tsuruta / Ken Takakura / Junko Fuji, STB Tatekan Two-Sheet Format (c. 51 × 145 cm) — N267

This is an original Japanese STB tatekan theatrical poster for the 1971 release of Ninkyo Retsuden: Otoko. Over fifty years old, this complete two-sheet example brings together a striking ensemble of Toei stars within a composition of tattoo imagery, drawn blades, and bold brush lettering.

Directed by Kosaku Yamashita, with a screenplay by Kazuo Kasahara, the film stars Koji Tsuruta, Ken Takakura, and Junko Fuji. Developed from Tsuruta’s song “Otoko”, it follows a man raised within a yakuza family who sacrifices his prospects of succession, serves a prison sentence, and returns to find the organisation transformed. Loyalty, personal feeling, and betrayal drive this drama of the traditional ninkyo, or chivalrous gangster, genre. 

Printed on two sheets arranged vertically, the design makes dramatic use of the tall tatekan format. The upper section features a bloodied, tattooed figure holding a blade, alongside a large portrait of a swordsman in dark traditional clothing. Smaller scenes extend the narrative through the composition, including figures crossing an open field and a formal gathering along the bottom.

The title treatment is particularly effective. 「任侠列伝」 appears in yellow brush lettering within a narrow outlined panel, while the enormous red character 「男」, meaning “man”, dominates the lower sheet. Red borders frame the cream background, with blue-toned photographic details in the corners. A prominent portrait of Junko Fuji balances the surrounding action imagery.

The central promotional line reads:

「“男”化粧は、〈仁義〉〈盃〉〈代紋〉〈掟〉」
“A man’s adornments: honour, the sake cup, the clan crest, and the code.”

These references to obligation, ceremonial brotherhood, and allegiance complement the poster’s imagery. Its combination of major Toei stars, expressive typography, and richly coloured photographic montage makes it especially appealing to collectors of Japanese gangster cinema and the studio’s classic theatrical advertising.

Condition: Very Good+ / Excellent. 

Please review all photographs, including the individual sheets and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.

STB tatekan format: approximately 51 × 145 cm when assembled.
Stock code: N267.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.

About STB (Tatekan) posters
Japanese STB / tatekan posters were tall standing-board advertisements, printed in two pieces to be joined vertically for cinema display. Typically measuring around 51 × 145 cm, their elongated proportions offered considerable scope for distinctive compositions. Designed for temporary theatrical use, complete surviving examples preserve an important part of Japan’s cinema advertising history.