Anyone read Japanese?
 

Posted By: <b>Chad</b><p><img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1146503121.JPG"> <img src="http://www.network54.com/Realm/tmp/1146503112.JPG"> <br /><br />I took a chance on this card because prewar Japanese cards are tough and I ahve a soft spot for the tools of ignorance. Anybody know anything about it? If anyone can translate the back, even just to say it's jibberish, I would appreciate it greatly.<br /><br />--Chad

Anyone read Japanese?
 

Posted By: <b>davidcycleback</b><p>I know a guy who co-wrote a book on the Japanese language. I'll email him a picture.

Anyone read Japanese?
 

Posted By: <b>Chad</b><p>I'm hoping there's a clue as to the era, team and player the card depicts. If it's a shopping list or ideas for a haiku quickly scribbled down, well, that's kind of cool too!<br /><br />--Chad

Anyone read Japanese?
 

Posted By: <b>Tom Boblitt</b><p>Spicy Tuna Roll and Tempura appetizer or something.......<br /><br />Good luck. Odds are it's something neat. Neat enough anyway............<br />

Anyone read Japanese?
 

Posted By: <b>leon</b><p>I think it says "Two number 3's, extra soy sauce, and make it fried rice"....

Anyone read Japanese?
 

Posted By: <b>davidcycleback</b><p>I asked a Japanese baseball historian and writer why the Major League Japanese teams have the jersey names in English. He said it is because they think it looks nice.

Anyone read Japanese?
 

Posted By: <b>Andrew Parks</b><p>I can have our Japanese student here translate it, but it won't be until 3:15 after school is out.<br /><br />I'll try and find her.

Anyone read Japanese?
 

Posted By: <b>Anonymous</b><p>I just asked one of my patients who is a Japanese. She said they are just a list of Japanese names. Nothing informative, probably players in that team. Hope this help.

Anyone read Japanese?
 

Posted By: <b>Chad</b><p>I appreciate the info. If nothing else, the writing adds to the charm of the card.<br /><br />--Chad

Anyone read Japanese?
 

Posted By: <b>Andrew Parks</b><p>Yes they are all names of most likely -players.<br /><br />Starting from the 12 O'Clock position and moving clockwise:<br /><br />(Last name) First name<br />(Naka Jima) ?<br />(Kawasaki) Shuji<br />(Chi Ba) Shigeru<br />(Kawasaki) Tetsuji<br />(O Ta) ?<br />(Hira Yama) Kikuji<br />(Ao Yama) Noboru<br />(Shira Ishi) Tetsu O<br />(Yamakawa) Ko Saku<br />(Mi Hara) Osamu<br />(Naka O) ?<br /><br />In Japan, people go by last names first and first names last.

Anyone read Japanese?
 

Posted By: <b>Chad</b><p>It will really come in handy if I can ever find a source to cross reference it. Thanks.<br /><br />--Chad

Anyone read Japanese?
 

Posted By: <b>David McDonald</b><p>Tanimitsu<br />Mitsuyoshi<br />Yoshimura<br />Murakami<br />Kamikawa<br />Kawamatsu<br />Matsutaka<br />Takahashi<br />Hashimoto<br />Motooka<br />Okafune<br />Funeshige<br />Shigeyasu<br />Yasutaka<br />Takamine<br />Minehiro<br />Hiroyama<br />Yamanaka<br />Nakashima<br />Shimakuro<br />Kurosato<br />Satogata<br />Gata go now.

Anyone read Japanese?
 

Posted By: <b>Darrell</b><p>As luck would have it - I just returned from a trip to Japan - got to see Chinichi Dragons and Hanschin Tigers at Nagoya Dome - my Japanese counterpart here looked at this ---<br />Those names mentioned above are right --- These appear to be players from the Giants (Tokyo) team from the late '30's early 40's --- I guess Chiba and Mirayama were pretty big players ---- he said some of them came back to manage after WWII..... Hope that helps <br /><br />Chinichi Dragons rule!! - Or at least their bullpen is better than the Tribe right now ......Darrell

Anyone read Japanese?
 

Posted By: <b>Chad</b><p>So if I can figure out the catcher for the Giants in the 30's, I might have my man? Being able to pin it down to the 30's is great news. Thanks.<br /><br />--Chad

Anyone read Japanese?
 

Posted By: <b>warshawlaw</b><p>The card is most likely an uncatalogued bromide from the period just after the war. Shigeru Chiba: Giants 1938-56, HOF 1980: Nicknamed “the Formidable Buffalo”, Giants second baseman 1938-1958, 7 consecutive "Best Nine" teams (1947-53), 5x All-Star. Try www.prestigecollectibles.com for more information; Gary Engel (who is currently running an auction) wrote the book on Japanese cards.