Leiji Matsumoto - Galaxy Express 999 - 1970s

Vintage Japanese promotional/theatrical poster for Galaxy Express 999 (Ginga Tetsudō 999), based on the celebrated science-fiction work by Leiji Matsumoto.

The striking composition prominently features Maetel, together with Tetsuro Hoshino, Captain Harlock and Queen Emeraldas, bringing together several of the most recognizable characters from Matsumoto's universe.

The poster carries the Japanese title 銀河鉄道999 and the promotional phrase “Wakamono wa ima, mirai e tabidatsu…” (“Young people now set out toward the future…”), a phrase associated with the original theatrical promotion of the film.

The theatrical film was released in Japan in 1979, directed by Rintaro, with Leiji Matsumoto credited for the original concept, planning and composition. It was produced by Toei Animation and distributed by Toei.

A specialist Japanese movie-poster archive identifies this design as a B2-format Toei poster from the original period, dating it to 1978. As the film itself was released in 1979, the poster is conservatively described here as dating from the 1978–1979 original promotional period.

Details

Title: Galaxy Express 999 / Ginga Tetsudō 999
Original work / concept: Leiji Matsumoto
Film director: Rintaro
Production: Toei Animation
Distribution: Toei
Country: Japan
Period: 1978–1979
Format: B2
Approximate B2 size: 515 × 728 mm
Medium: Printed paper poster
Characters depicted: Maetel, Tetsuro Hoshino, Captain Harlock and Queen Emeraldas

Condition

This is a vintage paper poster from the original period and shows age-related signs of storage and handling. Please carefully examine the photographs for the condition of the surface, edges and corners.

No restoration has been carried out.

It will be carefully rolled and securely packed for international shipment.