This is an original B2 Japanese poster, printed in 2008, for the release of “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea” (崖の上のポニョ).

“Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea”  is the 10th animated feature film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It’s about an enchanted goldfish who befriends a little boy named Sosuke. However, their relationship threatens to cause a dangerous flood that will engulf the world. Fearing this, the goldfish’s parents, Fujimoto, the wizard, and Gran Mamare, the Sea Goddess, decide to test the youngsters to see if their love is true.

In Japan, it is customary for Studio Ghibli to create two posters for their films, one as an early promotion, and the second for the theatrical release. This is the promotional poster for Ponyo. In fact, this illustration goes back to the movie’s original public unveiling in 2007. Its sketchbook style reflects one of the more inspired ideas of Ponyo’s production: storyboards drawn and painted entirely in watercolor.

This drawingm based on Hayao Miyazaki’s imageboard, shows Ponyo peering out of a bucket with a funny look on her face.