In Japan, a 1982 calendar along with a 12-track LP was released based on this movie.
'Noriyoshi Ohrai' was the original poster designer for Japan, who also made posters for the Japanese release of Star Wars and the first Godzilla movie.
The movie had a limited release and home video distribution in Japan due to its dour content breaking the Nuclear Weapons Taboo. Distribution overseas was just as limited, having been released in only four countries (East Germany, West Germany, Italy, and Australia) to low sales.
Future War 198X was initially intended to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival, but this never happened.