ABSTRACT
An important figure in Japan’s transition to sound film was Yasujirō Ozu. This chapter explores Ozu’s first three full-sound films—The Only Son ([Hitori musuko], 1936); What Did the Lady Forget? ([Shujo wa nani o wasuretaka], 1937); and The Brothers and Sisters of the Toda Family ([Todake no kyodai], 1941)—all of which were scored by the same composer, Senji Ito. Produced by Shochiku Motion Picture Company, these films reveal Ozu’s early approach to sound, the context of sound film’s arrival in Japan, and insights into Ito’s contributions to Ozu’s creative vision.
