“To Sir, with Love” (いつも心に太陽を), Original Japanese Movie Poster 1968, Sidney Poitier / Judy Geeson / Lulu, B2 Size (c. 51 × 73 cm) — T72
This is an original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for the 1968 first Japanese release of To Sir, with Love, released in Japan as いつも心に太陽を (Itsumo Kokoro ni Taiyō o, meaning “Always Keep the Sun in Your Heart”). Its warm colours and expressive photographic composition reflect the film’s themes of understanding, dignity and mutual respect.
Written and directed by James Clavell, the 1967 British drama adapts E. R. Braithwaite’s autobiographical novel. Sidney Poitier stars as Mark Thackeray, an engineer who accepts a teaching position in London’s East End and gradually earns the respect of his rebellious students. Judy Geeson, Christian Roberts and Lulu feature among the young cast, with Lulu also performing the celebrated title song.
The design centres on a large photographic portrait of Poitier, his hands clasped near his mouth, framed by a warm orange glow. A group of students fills the upper-left section, while a dancing student in a pale blue dress extends through the middle of the composition. Smaller scenes of dancing and outdoor gatherings, together with flowers along the lower margin, give the design an affectionate, celebratory character.
Flowing blue Japanese title lettering runs down the left side, balanced by Poitier’s name in green and red promotional copy on the right. The English title, “TO SIR, WITH LOVE,” appears near the bottom. Printed endorsements identify the film as selected by Japan’s Ministry of Education and recommended by the National PTA Council of Japan, adding a distinctive element to its Japanese presentation.
The prominent red tagline reads:
「言葉と愛と生きるすべてを、先生が――何も知らないぼく達に教えてくれたんだ！」
“Words, love and everything about life—our teacher taught us, who knew nothing!”
The combination of intimate portraiture, lively classroom imagery and expressive lettering makes this an appealing example for collectors of Sidney Poitier, British cinema of the 1960s and Japanese film poster design.
Condition: Very Good+ to Excellent.
Please review all photographs, including the front, reverse and detail images, as they show the exact poster for sale.
Japanese B2 format: approximately 51 × 73 cm.
Stock code: T72.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
About Japanese B2 posters
Japanese B2 posters typically measure approximately 51 × 73 cm and were produced for theatrical display. Their distinctive combinations of photography, illustration, typography and locally written promotional copy offer a fascinating record of how films were presented to Japanese audiences.
