“Tokyo Twilight” (東京暮色), Ultra-Rare Original Japanese First-Release B2 Poster, 1957 (first release), Rare Variant, Professionally Conserved (Washi Restoration) — B2 Size (approx. 51 × 73 cm) (G)

This exceptional first-release Japanese B2 for Yasujirō Ozu’s Tokyo Twilight is a scarce, premium example—near mint, with extraordinarily bright, fresh colour. It is also a rare variant of this title: one of two B2 designs held in the Japan Poster Shop collection.

Issued for the film’s 1957 Japanese theatrical release (松竹／Shochiku), the design presents Ozu’s austere late-period drama with a striking modernist layout—anchored by the bold red title panel and the vertical director credit 「名匠 小津安二郎監督」. Despite its age, the poster retains a crisp, clean presence with standout saturation—especially in the vermilion title block and the beautifully rendered portrait tones.

About the film

Directed by Yasujirō Ozu, Tokyo Twilight (東京暮色) is one of his great late works—and notably his final black-and-white film. It is also the only Ozu film to feature Isuzu Yamada (山田五十鈴). A fascinating piece of production history: the role of the younger daughter Akiko (明子) was originally planned for Keiko Kishi (岸恵子), but due to scheduling conflicts while filming Snow Country (雪国), the casting was changed to Ineko Arima (有馬稲子).

Poster design

A superb, painterly sheet dominated by two large, emotionally restrained portrait heads—set against a clean, pale ground—contrasts with the commanding, oversized title 東京暮色 in a saturated red vertical block. Below, smaller narrative vignettes and a dense cast panel balance the composition. The result is quintessential mid-century Japanese studio poster design: elegant, graphic, and psychologically direct.

Why collectors prize this example

• First-release 1957 Japanese B2 for a landmark late-period Ozu film.
• Ozu’s last black-and-white feature—a key title for serious Japanese cinema collectors.
• Rare variant: one of two B2 designs documented in the Japan Poster Shop collection.
• Provenance: acquired from the top-tier Japanese private collection.
• Museum-grade conservation with nearly invisible repairs and superb display impact.

Conservation
Professionally conserved to museum standards. Any prior edge weakness and small tears were expertly mended using traditional washi paper restoration—a centuries-old Japanese technique originally developed for repairing Buddhist sutras and woodblock prints. Hand-torn kozo-fibre washi and reversible, pH-neutral wheat-starch paste were used, yielding strong, flexible, and nearly invisible repairs that respect the original fibres and preserve the poster’s authenticity and feel.

Details
Country: Japan
Year printed / release: 1957 (first-release Japanese theatrical poster)
Type: Theatrical release poster (B2) — first-release, rare variant
Size: B2 — approx. 51 × 73 cm (20" × 29")
Identifiers: Japanese title 東京暮色 in bold red vertical panel; director credit 「名匠 小津安二郎監督」; Shochiku branding/crest at upper left; credits include screenplay 野田高梧 / 小津安二郎.

Condition
Near mint. Colours are extremely bright and well-preserved, with a crisp, high-impact display presence. Professionally conserved with washi restoration; importantly, no obvious repaired tears are visible to the eye—presentation is exceptionally clean and uniform. Minimal handling evidence only; no distracting flaws. Please review the provided photos (front and back) — they show the exact poster offered.

It is over 65 years old.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.