This is an original Japanese first-release movie poster from 1951 for Yasujirō Ozu’s Early Summer (麦秋), released by Shochiku.
This is the ultra-rare Osaka (Kansai) regional format measuring 51 × 66 cm
Film background
Released in 1951, Early Summer is a masterwork of postwar Japanese cinema, directed by Yasujirō Ozu and co-written with Kōgo Noda, starring Setsuko Hara alongside frequent Ozu collaborator Chishū Ryū.
It is the second film in Ozu’s “Noriko trilogy”, following Late Spring and preceding Tokyo Story, and it gently explores family expectations, modernising Japan, and a woman’s personal choice within the quiet pressures of tradition.
Poster design
A beautiful, full-colour Shochiku sheet with classic early-1950s Japanese presentation: striking close-up portraits of the principal women dominate the upper design (with Setsuko Hara featured prominently), while the ensemble cast appears below in period attire.
The bold, brush-stroke title calligraphy 「麦秋」 in vivid red anchors the composition, balanced by vertical copy that sells the film as a refined, emotionally powerful prestige release—an elegant, display-worthy poster from the golden age of Japanese studio cinema.
Condition
Very Good / Excellent. Light, age-consistent handling with original fold lines and minor edge/handling wear typical of cinema-used paper from this era. Some light toning/ageing is visible on the reverse. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.
It is over 74 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
