First Japanese Guide on How to Play Ping Pong (Table Tennis) by Torikai Eijiro
Almost certainly the first Japanese booklet ever published on ping pong. Torikai also wrote books on lacrosse, hockey and baseball in 1902. This is a translation from a book in English as there are a list of numbers and expressions used with Japanese translations. In Japan, table tennis started becoming popular in 1902 when Tsuboi Gendo, reportedly the first gymnastics instructor in Japan, brought a table tennis set back from his stay in England. No references found to this guide anywhere.
Tokyo. Ogawa Shoeido. 1903.
36pp[2]. 16.7 x 9.3cm.
In good to very good condition. The front cover has a small, dark stain at the right edge along with chipped corners. A little bit of age darkening throughout. Rear cover has stamp, 'Fukuokaya'. nb32090038
