Kogo Noda, already an accomplished screenwriter, had collaborated with Ozu on the script of his debut film of 1927, "Sword of Penitence". Noda had later written scripts with Ozu (while also collaborating with other directors) on many of his best silent pictures, including "Tokyo Chorus". Yet by 1949, the director had not worked with his old friend for fourteen years. However, their reunion on "Late Spring" was so harmonious and successful that Ozu wrote exclusively with Noda for the rest of his career.