“Zatoichi and the Fugitives” (座頭市果し状), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1968, Shintaro Katsu / Takashi Shimura, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) — T78

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1968 first release of Zatoichi and the Fugitives, originally titled Zatōichi Hatashijō. Released on 10 August 1968, the film is the eighteenth entry in Shintaro Katsu’s celebrated Zatoichi series. This dynamic design combines a commanding central portrait with multiple sword-fighting images and oversized red lettering.

Directed by Kimiyoshi Yasuda, with cinematography by Kazuo Miyagawa, the film stars Shintaro Katsu, supported by Takashi Shimura, Yumiko Nogawa and Kyosuke Machida. The wandering blind swordsman arrives in a town where a criminal gang shelters dangerous fugitives and exploits workers at a local silk mill. His friendship with a doctor, played by Shimura, draws him into a violent confrontation with the men controlling the community.

A large photograph of Katsu with his drawn sword dominates the lower half. His lowered eyes, concentrated expression and perspiring face create a tense, immediate focal point, while the blade cuts diagonally upwards through the composition.

Above him, repeated action photographs show Zatoichi poised to strike and turning into combat. Smaller figures tumble and fall across the pale background, creating a sense of movement around the larger portraits. White lightning branches across the dark upper section, reinforcing the threat announced by the yellow promotional text.

The enormous red title, 「座頭市果し状」, runs vertically down the right side, its rough brushwork edged in white. Small reading guides accompany the characters, while supporting cast portraits and blue credits fill the lower corners. The Daiei emblem appears at the upper left, with the studio’s name printed vertically along the left margin.

The prominent yellow tagline reads:

「稲妻と共に襲う殺し屋集団！短銃が迫り、手裏剣が飛ぶ！ふくろ鼠の座頭市！」
“A band of killers attacks with the lightning! Pistols close in, throwing stars fly! Zatoichi is trapped like a cornered rat!”

The combination of concentrated portraiture, scattered combat imagery and forceful red typography gives this poster a distinctive presence. It is an appealing example for collectors of Shintaro Katsu, the Zatoichi series, Daiei cinema and Japanese swordplay films.

Condition: Excellent.

Light handling creases and scattered small marks are visible, particularly on the reverse. The front retains bold colour and strong overall presentation.

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

Japanese B2 size: approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Stock code: T78.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.

About Japanese B2 posters
B2 is a standard Japanese theatrical poster format, typically measuring around 51 × 73 cm. Produced for cinema promotion, these single-sheet posters preserve the distinctive artwork, typography and advertising approaches of Japanese film exhibition.