 After Mishimas death on 25 November 1970, all prints of this film  were rumored to have been destroyed by his wife Yoko. However, in  August 2005, original film negatives were "discovered" at the late  authors residence in Ota Ward, Tokyo. About 40 reels have now been  found in what Japanese media refer to as an "airtight tea box".  According to Hiroaki Fujii (78), the movies producer (who at the  time apparently urged Yoko to keep the original intact), the  recovered elements are in "pristine condition". The film will be  released on DVD by Shinchosha early in 2006.