“The Cat Returns” / 「猫の恩返し」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 2002, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) ZA1113
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the first Japanese release of Studio Ghibli’s The Cat Returns / 「猫の恩返し」, Hiroyuki Morita’s enchanting 2002 fantasy adventure.
Developed from characters introduced in Whisper of the Heart, the film follows an uncertain schoolgirl drawn into the fantastical Cat Kingdom after performing a simple act of kindness.
Film background
The story centres on Haru Yoshioka, a quiet high-school student who saves a cat from being struck by a truck.
The animal is revealed to be Prince Lune, heir to the Cat Kingdom. In gratitude, Haru receives a succession of unwanted feline gifts before learning that the Cat King intends her to marry the Prince.
Transported into the Cat Kingdom, Haru gradually begins transforming into a cat. To return home, she seeks help from the elegant Baron Humbert von Gikkingen, the large and irritable cat Muta, and the raven Toto.
Beneath its playful fantasy, the film explores self-confidence, personal identity, and the importance of deciding one’s own path.
The film was planned by Hayao Miyazaki and marked the feature directorial debut of Hiroyuki Morita. The screenplay was written by Reiko Yoshida, based on the manga by Aoi Hiiragi, with music composed by Yuji Nomi.
The principal Japanese voice cast includes:
Chizuru Ikewaki
Yoshihiko Hakamada
Aki Maeda
Takayuki Yamada
Hitomi Satō
Kumiko Okae
Tetsurō Tamba
The ending theme, 「風になる」 / “Kaze ni Naru,” was written and performed by Ayano Tsuji.
Poster design
This serene Japanese design places Haru within a field of tall summer grass and delicate wildflowers.
She lies peacefully on her back, partially concealed by the vegetation, gazing upwards beneath a softly coloured sky. Her relaxed posture contrasts with the anxiety and uncertainty that define her at the beginning of the story, suggesting the freedom and self-assurance she ultimately discovers.
The background is rendered in gentle washes of cream, pale pink, yellow, blue, and green, giving the poster the character of a watercolour illustration.
The large vertical title:
「猫の恩返し」
appears in textured blue lettering through the centre.
The title translates literally as:
“The Cat’s Return of Favour.”
The principal text at upper right reads:
「猫の国。それは、自分の時間を生きられないやつの行くところ。
猫になっても、いいんじゃないッ？」
Translated:
“The Cat Kingdom—it is where those unable to live life on their own terms go. Maybe becoming a cat would not be so bad?”
At upper left appears the Studio Ghibli identification:
「スタジオジブリ作品」
The adjacent production credits prominently announce:
「宮崎駿 企画」
“Planned by Hayao Miyazaki.”
and:
「森田宏幸 第一回監督作品」
“The first film directed by Hiroyuki Morita.”
The small English title:
“The Cat Returns”
appears along the lower-left edge beside the Studio Ghibli and Animage-related production marks.
The result is a beautifully restrained Studio Ghibli campaign poster, using open space and pastoral imagery to express the film’s themes of freedom, reflection, and discovering one’s true identity.
Condition
Excellent condition. A highly attractive and well-preserved example, retaining delicate pastel colour, clean cream areas, sharp illustrated detail, and excellent overall display impact.
There are only light signs of age and handling consistent with an original Japanese theatrical poster from this period.
Reference: ZA1113.
Please review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.
This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s first-release 2002 campaign, not a reproduction or reprint.
It is approximately 24 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
