I'm currently trying to get Omohide Poro Poro (Only Yesterday) released in the US. I Have looked into some options and discussed the matter with Daniel Thomas MacInnes of Ghibli Blog, and have decided the most feasible method is to contact Criterion about it. Disney has flat-out refused to release it and GKIDS films hasn't expressed much interest either. However, Criterion has an email address where one can send requests for films that they wish to see released through their Criterion Collection. Each email is claimed to be reviewed by the Criterion staff and every title given consideration. I have contacted them about Only Yesterday and they sent the following reply:

Thanks for your email and suggestion for OMOHIDE PORO PORO (ONLY YESTERDAY). I'll share your suggestion with my colleagues.

All the best,
Jon Mulvaney

The goal here is to get so many people to send in email requests for Only Yesterday that Criterion sees a large demand and is persuaded to purchase the rights from Disney and finally get this movie released over here.

Please send emails to suggestions@criterion.com requesting the film's release, and spread the word to fellow Ghibli fans, friends, family, and other acquaintances. If you have any suggestions regarding other avenues that could be pursued or theories as to why this movie never got an American release, feel free to comment.

That's a good idea. I'll send Criterion an email. I would love to see "Only Yesterday" get the attention it deserves in the U.S. I think it's one of Ghibli's best films, and it's so emotional. The ending makes me cry every time.

Ah, another "Only Yesterday" fan. I think the last 10 or 15 minutes of this film might even be Ghibli's finest work ever, its tremendously moving. I too cry every time.

Its a crime it hasn't got enough attention in the west.

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Isakaya High School Roleplaying Info

"An old man like me stands no chance fighting against a high school girl in her underwear" - Oshino Meme, Nekomonogatari (Kuro)

Seriously, though. I need Disney to license a Blu-Ray of that, Ocean Waves and Yamadas.

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3,2,1, Let's jam.

I too am waiting, but here in the UK it's another company called Studio Canal, hopefully we will get Blu Rays of these.

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"A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge

Only Yesterday was released in the UK when Optimum Releasing had the UK license. I bought it years ago, probably around 2000.

The Yamadas was released by them as well.

I bought a Japanese region 2 DVD of Ocean waves that had English subtitles. I think it was released direct by Studio Ghibli itself.

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Isakaya High School Roleplaying Info

"An old man like me stands no chance fighting against a high school girl in her underwear" - Oshino Meme, Nekomonogatari (Kuro)

I want the blu rays though, Yamadas is on Blu Ray

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"A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge