[WADA, TOKUTARŌ, EDITED BY]. 和田篤太郎編輯.

海國雙語六. [Kaikoku sugoroku].<BR> [Seafaring Nation Sugoroku Game].

東京. [Tokyo]. 春陽堂. [Shunyōdō]. Meiji 29 [ 1896]. Stock ID #222285

Colour folding sugoroku game sheet, 75.5 x 53.7cm. Washi repairs along folds on reverse, some holes at fold points, a few closed tears with washi repairs, overall light wear, occasional spotting. Still an attractive and unusual sugoroku.

This unusual globe shaped sugoroku game sheet was published in 1896, one year after Japan’s victory in the Sino-Japanese War. At the top of the sheet, the stated purpose of the game is to educate younger generations about Japanese expansion across the seas, so that Japan might eventually gain command of the world’s oceans.



The game features historical Japanese figures associated with overseas activity and enterprise, including Yamada Nagamasa (山田長政) and Iwasaki Yatarō (岩崎彌太郎). It also includes scenes of Japanese naval victories in the Sino-Japanese War. As such, the game is both educational and intended to cultivate an expansionist view of Japan’s future.

Most of the illustrations are imaginary, and some are rather puzzling, including a samurai carrying a cross on Iturup Island in the Kuril Islands. Australia is mentioned in the text of a square which depicts a ship but nearby another square titled South Seas shows an apparently European man with a flock of sheep.

The game is played across a circular, globe-like design. The two angels at the top appear to represent Europe and Japan. Players begin in Yokohama and travel around the world, visiting places including America, Rome, Thailand and the United States, while tracing the footsteps of Japanese pioneers.

Most of the illustrations are imaginary, and some are rather puzzling, including a samurai carrying a cross on Iturup Island in the Kuril Islands. A scene showing an apparently European man with a flock of sheep appears in the South Seas section. The goal is to return to Japan and receive an official certificate from the authorities.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 222285.

Price: $475.00 AU

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