Japanese Children's Book –

 Modern Transportation / Trains, Planes, Ships, Autos – 

Yōji Ehon: Shingata Norimono 9

Goshu Shuppan (五種出版), Tokyo, March 10, 1941 (Shōwa 16).

Beautifully illustrated large-format Japanese children's picture book featuring futuristic and contemporary transportation modes from around the world. Highlights include bold full-color lithographs of locomotives (notably the streamlined PRR GG1 electric engine No. 480), diesel and electric trains, modern automobiles, aircraft (including Soviet and American models), and a spectacular fantasy cruise ship resembling a sleek Art Deco ocean liner.

Designed for young readers with phonetic katakana text. Appears to be part of the "Yōji Ehon" (幼児絵本) series, this is issue no. 9 in the “Shingata Norimono” (“New Types of Vehicles”) subseries. Includes stunning illustrations by noted artists including 佐藤今朝治 (Satō Kesaji) and 木俣たけし (Kimata Takeshi).

Wraparound cover art features the American “PENNSYLVANIA 480” electric engine, a remarkable inclusion for a prewar Japanese children's publication.

An uncommon surviving example of Japanese fascination with foreign technology and design in the early Shōwa period, published just months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Scarce in the trade, especially in this condition.

Some modest edge wear, binding wear at staples (though still sound), light toning to margins. Small instance of worming to the front edge of the cover and most of the leaves. Color plates bright and complete.  G++