Japan’s Movie Theater Sign Painter: Star Power in Acrylic

One of Ōshita’s early signs at the Misawa base theater was for the John Wayne film North to Alaska, which opened in Japan in 1961. (Photograph provided by Ōshita Takeo)

Ōshita stands in front of a favorite picture of Takakura Ken in the movie Shōwa zankyōden (Brutal Tales of Chivalry).

Ōshita’s studio walls are lined with photographs of his signs.

With quick-drying acrylic paint, the first 15 minutes of painting a face are crucial. (Photograph provided by Ōshita Takeo)

Ōshita shows his skill in rapidly producing the colors he wants with layers of paint.

Portraits in Ōshita’s studio.

Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday (left) and My Fair Lady.

Cameron Diaz and Alain Delon.

Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean.

The exhibition of Ōshita’s signs was held at Jōyō Museum in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, from May 30 to July 16.