1933 Keizo Shimada Pictorial Map of the World

A remarkable 1933 Japanese issue pictorial map of the world drawn by Keizo Shimada (島田啓三). Centered on the Japanese Empire, which is highlighted in Red and includes both Taiwan and Korea, this map extends to cover the world with the exception of the Atlantic, which is only minimally addressed. The map presents a delightful array of vignettes intended to illustrate regional culture, flora, and fauna. Some of the images, despite being unbearably 'kawaii' are decidedly not politically correct, such as the rather intimidating looking Indian Chief in the Rocky Mountains. Despite the map's playful nature, Japan had already begun its grab for power in East Asia and the military aspect of the map is clear. Japanese destroyers patrol the western Pacific just as American destroyers stand watch on the Pacific Coast and in Hawaii. War was coming.

Publication History and Census

This map is quite rare. It was published as a free insert in the December 1933 issue of Japan Youth Club or Shonen Club, a monthly boys' magazine that was issued by Yasutarō Satō (佐藤保太郎) from 1914 to 1946. We have been able to identify only one other example housed in the David Rumsey Collection.