This uncommon sugoroku (Japanese board game) was designed by commercial artist Saburo Ota and published by Dai Nippon Odankai Kodansha as a New Year's supplement to the magazine Kingu. The game reflects the westernization of Japan and its emergence as a major power on the world stage in the aftermath of the Meiji Restoration (1868-89) and the defeat of Russia in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-05). It depicts Japanese people in far-flung destinations, including France, Italy, and South America, where there was an influx of Japanese emigrants at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The game's rules are similar to snakes and ladders, with players starting in Japan (center) and racing around the world, either ending in London or New York. Illlustrations of people, wildlife, and landmarks fill the game board. Among the many sights are an Indigenous man in headdress, the Liberty Bell, and the Statue of Liberty in the United States; the Great Wall of China; London Bridge; a toreador and bull in Spain; the Great Sphinx of Giza and a lion attacking a zebra in Africa; and an Aboriginal in Australia. On verso is another game showing families participating in a series of athletic activities.

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Condition: B+

A colorful example issued folding with short fold separations and a 2" edge tear at top that have all been closed on verso with archival tape.