Japanese Posters

The most common varieties:

- B0: 40x58. The size of two B1s. (See below.) Commonly referred to as a Japanese two sheet. Large format quads used for special releases. Rare.

- B1: 40x29. Slightly larger than the American one sheet. Harder to find than the smaller B2 format (See below). Not widely collected in Japan, where space is at a premium and smaller poster formats like the B2 and B5 Chirashi mini-posters are preferred. Most B1s are destroyed or thrown away after display in cinemas; however, they are one of the most widely issued.

- B2: 29x20. Standard and most popular Japanese cinema poster; most common larger format poster collected in Japan.Generally easier to come by than the B1.

- B3 Nakazuri: 14x20. Used for Japanese subway train advertisements. Usually hangs horizontally.

- B4: 10x29. Sometimes referred to as the Japanese insert. Hangs vertically.

- B5 Chirashi: 10x7. Mini-posters or flyers distributed in Japanese cinemas. Most popular collectible poster format in Japan, where the notion of kawaii (pretty small) is preferred over larger posters. Usually double-sided, with publicity information or additional artwork on the flipside. Sometimes open into four-page posters. Occasionally thicker card versions have limited release. Chirashi means to diffuse or disperse.

- STB Tatekan: 20x58. Two B2s hanging vertically on top of each other. Rarely used with modern releases. Best examples are classic posters from late 1950s- early 1970s. Also known as the Tatekan poster format. Phased out mid-1970s for Japanese releases; earlier (1972-73) for non-Japanese releases.