“Woman of Water” / 「水の女」, Original Japanese Movie Poster 2002, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) H298
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster printed for the 2002 release of Woman of Water / 「水の女」, Hidenori Sugimori’s poetic Japanese drama starring UA and Tadanobu Asano.
Set largely within a traditional public bathhouse, the film uses the opposing elements of water and fire to explore grief, attraction, fate, and emotional renewal.
Film background
The story follows Ryo, a woman whose life appears mysteriously connected to water. Rain accompanies important moments in her life, and a personal tragedy leaves her isolated and uncertain of her future.
After inheriting her family’s neglected sentō, or public bathhouse, Ryo attempts to restore the building and reopen it.
She encounters Yusaku, an intense and solitary young man whose temperament and work associate him with fire. Despite their opposing natures, the two develop a quiet but powerful connection.
The film presents Ryo as the “woman of water” and Yusaku as the “man of fire,” using their elemental identities as a metaphor for emotional incompatibility, attraction, and healing.
The film was written and directed by Hidenori Sugimori.
The principal cast includes:
UA
Tadanobu Asano
Hikaru Yuki
Yutaka Enatsu
Ryuichi Oura
Sansei Shiomi
Mayumi Ogawa
The original score was composed by Yoko Kanno, while UA performed the ending theme, “Senkō” / 「閃光」.
Woman of Water was officially selected for the Critics’ Week programme at the 2002 Venice International Film Festival.
Poster design
This beautifully restrained Japanese poster depicts UA and Tadanobu Asano seated together inside the empty tiled bathing area of a traditional sentō.
UA sits upright with her knees drawn towards her body, dressed in a flowing floral skirt and sleeveless blue top. Asano adopts a more relaxed posture beside her, barefoot and leaning back against the tiled wall.
Their physical closeness is balanced by the distance in their expressions, capturing the film’s atmosphere of tentative intimacy and emotional uncertainty.
Behind them stretches a monumental bathhouse mural of Mount Fuji, rendered in muted blue, grey, and violet tones. Mist, water, pine trees, and the snow-covered mountain create an almost dreamlike landscape above the stark tiled interior.
The composition is framed by a pale cream border fading into blue at the bottom, giving the image the quality of an aged photograph or quiet memory.
The blue tagline across the top reads:
「いつまでもおったらええやん。ずっと…」
Translated:
“You can stay as long as you like. Forever…”
The large title:
「水の女」
appears across the mural in elegant cream lettering, with a stylised water droplet incorporated into the design.
The lower tagline reads:
「水の女と火の男、宿命の恋」
Translated:
“A woman of water and a man of fire—a fateful love.”
The lower-right text records the film’s festival selection:
「2002年ヴェネチア国際映画祭批評家週間正式招待作品」
Translated:
“Officially invited to the Critics’ Week programme of the 2002 Venice International Film Festival.”
The detailed credits along the base identify UA, Tadanobu Asano, Hidenori Sugimori, Yoko Kanno, Artist Film, and Nikkatsu.
The result is an elegant Japanese arthouse poster whose subdued colour, open space, and elemental imagery closely reflect the film’s meditative tone.
Condition
Very Good+ condition. A highly attractive and well-preserved example, retaining delicate blue and cream tones, clear photographic detail, clean borders, and excellent overall display impact.
Reference: H298.
Please review the photograph carefully, as it shows the exact poster for sale.
This is an original Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s 2002 release campaign, not a reproduction or reprint.
It is approximately 24 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
