B0 - measures 40" x 58" consisting of 2 'B1' sheets.

B1 - measures 40" x 29" . Most often this is a double size version of the B2 which would make it vertical, but sometimes it is presented horizontal with different artwork.

B2 - measures 20" x 29" and is the base size for most Japanese posters.

B3 - Nakazuri - (which means 'hanging inside') measures 14" x 20" about half the 'B2' used inside bus and train stations. Very similar to our mini sheet

B4 - measures 10" x 29" which is half the size vertically of the B2 poster and half BOTH ways of the STB. Sometimes called a Japanese insert or 'speed' poster.

B5 - Chirashi - a small promo poster similar to our herald or a flyer. Their measurements vary but the majority are about 7" x 10". These are quite often printed with information on the back.

STB - measures 20" x 58" which consists of 2 sheets of 'B2' posters over and under. These are sometimes called 'Tatekan' posters

Reissues are quite common and are difficult to distinguish. Sometimes there is new artwork for the reissue and sometimes there's not. You have to look at various marks such as distributors, studio logos, different artists, printers, etc. to verify a particular release. Make sure that you are dealing with a reputable movie poster dealer.

One of the major ways to tell theater posters from video posters is called the EIRIN mark which is placed on all Japanese theater posters. See Censorship Boards and Associations (above)

Reproductions are also becoming more common on major titles.

To see what Japanese posters that we have in our database, click here. The green dollar mark means that one of our dealers have that poster for sale.

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Special thanks to Armin Junge for providing additional information.