TOKYO STORY (東京物語 / Tōkyō Monogatari) – Original 1953 Japanese “Speed” Poster / Press Sheet (Shōchiku Eiga Weekly No. 213) – Yasujirō Ozu – 25 × 53 cm (G)

An original Japanese “speed size” promotional sheet for Yasujirō Ozu’s landmark film Tokyo Story (東京物語 / Tōkyō Monogatari), issued by Shōchiku in the film’s original release era (1953).

Unlike standard Japanese theatrical posters (B2/B1), this is a scarce exhibitor-style publicity piece from Shōchiku Eiga Weekly (松竹映画ウィークリー) No. 213, designed for cinema promotion and packed with period graphics and editorial-style film advertising.

About the Film (Tokyo Story)

Released in 1953, Tokyo Story is Ozu’s profoundly human drama about an aging couple who travel to Tokyo to see their adult children—only to find that modern life has made family time scarce. The film’s emotional center lies in the contrast between obligation and kindness, and in its clear-eyed compassion for ordinary people navigating change, distance, and the passage of time.

Ozu’s restrained style—quiet compositions, carefully observed domestic moments, and deeply felt understatement—has made Tokyo Story one of the most revered works in world cinema and a defining title for serious collectors of Japanese film material.

This double-sided piece features Tokyo Story prominently:

• Front (Color): Bold, beautifully illustrated Tokyo Story artwork with the title 東京物語 in striking red, presented as the lead feature of Shōchiku Eiga Weekly No. 213.

• Reverse (Black & White): A dedicated Tokyo Story feature with film stills, Japanese text coverage, and a prominent banner praising Ozu (including the headline referencing “名匠 小津安二郎”).

Note: As was typical for this kind of exhibitor weekly/promotional sheet, there are additional period advertisements and other Shōchiku film promotions on the same paper—these are part of the original, authentic design and publication format. 

• Film: Tokyo Story (東京物語 / Tōkyō Monogatari)

• Director: Yasujirō Ozu

• Country of Origin: Japan

• Studio / Publisher: Shōchiku / Shōchiku Eiga Weekly (松竹映画ウィークリー)

• Issue Number: No. 213

• Year: 1953 (original release year / original campaign era piece)

• Format: Original Japanese speed poster / press sheet (double-sided)

• Size: 25 × 53 cm (approx. 9.8 × 20.9 in)

• Authenticity: Original vintage printing — not a reproduction

This is a genuine vintage paper item from the early 1950s. It is in excellent condition. Expect typical age and handling wear consistent with an exhibitor-use promotional sheet (including light toning and original folds/creases).
Please use the provided photos as part of the condition description—the images show the exact item for sale.