“An Adolescent” / 「少女」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 2001, B2 Size (73 × 51 cm), Horizontal Format G287

This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the 2001 release of An Adolescent / 「少女」, the feature directorial debut of acclaimed Japanese actor Eiji Okuda.

A stark psychological drama exploring trauma, isolation, and emotional dependency, the film stars Eiji Okuda and Mayu Ozawa. This uncommon horizontal-format poster uses a striking image of Ozawa’s tattooed back against an almost entirely black field.

Film background

The film centres on Tomio, a middle-aged rural police officer whose life has begun to unravel following a traumatic shooting incident.

He encounters Yoko, a troubled young woman carrying profound emotional scars of her own. As their lives become increasingly intertwined, the pair develop an intense and controversial relationship shaped by loneliness, vulnerability, and their shared desire to escape the past.

Rather than presenting their connection as a conventional romance, the film examines damaged individuals seeking solace through an unstable and increasingly dependent bond.

An Adolescent was directed and written by Eiji Okuda, who also plays Tomio. The film marked his first feature as a director after an established career as one of Japan’s leading screen actors.

The principal cast includes:

Eiji Okuda
Mayu Ozawa
Kanako Fukaura
Jun Inoue

The cinematography was by Kenji Takama, with music composed by Takashi Kako.

The film attracted considerable attention on the international festival circuit, receiving recognition including the FIPRESCI Prize and a Jury Prize at the Deauville Asian Film Festival.

Poster design

This exceptionally restrained poster is presented in a rare horizontal Japanese B2 format.

The left side features Mayu Ozawa as Yoko, photographed from behind in profile against a nearly black interior. Her bare back is covered by an elaborate traditional Japanese tattoo depicting a large phoenix or firebird, rendered in black, red, and muted green.

The tattoo dominates the exposed skin and introduces themes of pain, transformation, endurance, and concealed identity.

Yoko’s lowered head and partially obscured face create an inward, guarded mood. The low-key lighting leaves much of her figure in shadow, reinforcing the film’s psychological intensity.

The right half is almost entirely black, carrying the Japanese title:

「少女」

in rough yellow brush-style characters.

The title translates simply as:

“Girl” or “Young Woman.”

Below appears the English-language billing:

“SHOUJYO
II
AN ADOLESCENT
a film by EIJI OKUDA”

The principal actors are identified beneath:

EIJI OKUDA
MAYU OZAWA

A small production-company mark appears at lower left.

The design’s minimalism, strong negative space, and direct juxtaposition of flesh, tattoo, and darkness give it the character of a contemporary photographic art print rather than a conventional commercial film poster.

Condition

Excellent condition. A highly attractive example retaining deep black tones, strong photographic detail, vivid tattoo colour, and clear yellow and white typography.

There are only light signs of age and handling consistent with an original Japanese theatrical poster from this period.

Reference: G287.

Please review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.

This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s 2001 release campaign, not a reproduction or reprint.

It is now approximately 25 years old.

Certificate of Authenticity included.