“Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo” (座頭市と用心棒), Original Release Japanese Speed Poster 1970, Speed Poster Size (c. 26 × 75 cm) P41

This is an original Japanese speed poster produced for the 1970 theatrical release of Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo—a dream crossover that pits two of Japanese cinema’s most iconic screen presences against each other: Shintarō Katsu as the blind swordsman Zatoichi, and Toshirō Mifune as the cunning, unpredictable rōnin “Yojimbo.” Directed by Kihachi Okamoto, the film plays like a collision of archetypes—streetwise menace, sharp comedy, and sudden, brutal swordplay—made with Toho-scale confidence.

Film background

Released at the height of Zatoichi’s popularity, Zatoichi Meets Yojimbo is built around pure star power and tension: a town caught in competing schemes, a lone drifter with a blade and a grin, and Zatoichi—seemingly gentle, perpetually underestimated—forced into confrontation. The result is an entertaining, high-craft genre piece that celebrates (and slightly subverts) two legendary screen personas in one frame.

Poster design

This speed-poster design is all impact. A tight, confrontational crop throws the two men into psychological combat before a single sword is drawn—one face snarling in shadow, the other bald head turned in cold profile—while the huge, blood-red title typography slams down the centre like a warning stamp. Below, a silhouetted duel scene reinforces the film’s promise: not just rivalry, but a genuine showdown. The narrow, vertical speed format makes the composition feel even more aggressive and modern—built to stop foot traffic.

Rarity and condition

Speed posters were printed in smaller quantities than standard one-sheets and were intended for quick, high-visibility display, which makes clean survivors notably harder to find.

Condition
Excellent, close to Near Mint. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.

It is over 56 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.