“Zatoichi’s Cane Sword” (座頭市鉄火旅), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1967, Shintaro Katsu / Shiho Fujimura, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) — T80
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1967 first release of Zatoichi’s Cane Sword, originally titled Zatōichi Tekka-tabi. Released on 3 January 1967, this fifteenth entry in the Zatoichi series places the wandering swordsman’s most trusted weapon at the centre of its story. The design combines a vivid red background, oversized blue lettering and a commanding portrait of Shintaro Katsu.
Directed by Kimiyoshi Yasuda, with a screenplay by Ryozo Kasahara and cinematography by Senkichiro Takeda, the film stars Shintaro Katsu, Shiho Fujimura and Eijiro Tono. A blacksmith discovers a dangerous flaw in Zatoichi’s blade and warns that it may break with another strike. His attempt to leave sword fighting behind is tested when he encounters a town under yakuza control, bringing his desire for peace into conflict with his obligation to protect others.
A large photographic portrait of Katsu holding his drawn cane-sword fills the upper and central sections. His face turns towards the left, while the narrow blade extends diagonally downwards across the sheet. The dark clothing and white fabric around his neck stand out against the saturated red field.
Small pieces of coloured confetti are scattered across the background, introducing a festive element alongside the tense swordplay imagery. Along the bottom, a compact cast montage includes two women in contrasting kimono, a tattooed male figure and a smaller male portrait at the left.
The enormous blue title, 「座頭市鉄火旅」, runs vertically down the left side in rough brush lettering edged in white. Green lettering identifies the film as a colour production, while the Daiei emblem appears in the upper-right corner. Yellow promotional text runs down the right edge:
「もう一人斬れば刀が折れる！群がる敵は五十人！いつ抜く、どう斬る座頭市！」
“One more strike and his sword will break! Fifty enemies swarm around him! When will Zatoichi draw—and how will he strike?”
The bold red-and-blue palette, diagonal blade and imposing star portrait give this poster a distinctive presence. It is an appealing example for collectors of Shintaro Katsu, the Zatoichi series, Daiei cinema and Japanese film poster design of the 1960s.
Condition: Excellent.
Light creasing and handling wear are visible, particularly on the reverse. The front retains vivid 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: T80.
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.
