This is an original Japanese B2 movie poster printed in 1959 for the first Japanese theatrical release of Good Morning (お早よう, Ohayō), directed by Yasujirō Ozu, written by Ozu and Kōgo Noda, and released by Shochiku. The film stars Keiji Sada, Kuniko Miyake, and Chishū Ryū.
Film background
Released in 1959, Good Morning is one of Ozu’s most accessible late-period masterpieces—an exquisitely observed suburban comedy in which two schoolboys vow silence to force their parents to buy a television. Beneath the gentle humour lies Ozu’s precise, quietly incisive study of post-war modernity, consumer desire, and the social rituals that both connect and estrange people. The film is celebrated for its immaculate composition and distinctive colour palette.
Poster design
This is the ultra-rare Chihoban (regional) issue—a scarce, provincially issued variant typically produced in far smaller quantities than the standard metropolitan designs. Executed in a handsome illustrated style, the composition presents a warmly lit domestic scene with the principal couple, framed by cameo portraits of key characters at left and dominated by the bold, sweeping blue calligraphy title 「お早よう」 at right. The header text foregrounds Ozu’s stature, while the prominent “Agfa Colour / Total Natural Colour” billing reflects the period’s pride in full-colour presentation. A superb and highly evocative example of Shochiku-era Japanese cinema graphics.
Condition (with prior restoration)
Very Good (display-strong), unbacked.
This is an original vintage sheet with a distinctive “private collection” history: some areas such as corners / edges were reinforced/repaired by a previous Japanese collector rather than sent to a professional conservation studio. The repairs stabilise the extremities and the poster displays very well once framed; however, it is not linen-backed and should be considered a well-preserved, sympathetically maintained original rather than a museum-conserved example. We have taken these factors into account when pricing. Reinforcement/repair (most evident from the reverse).
In addition, there are original fold lines and scattered handling creases, with edge wear and small nicks/short tears consistent with cinema-era paper and prior use. The reverse shows expected age toning and handling, including areas of old tape/adhesive evidence associated with past display/storage. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.
It is over 66 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
