Basketball Rules Explained – Japanese Style

From the booklet "Tokyo Olympic Basketball Games Guide 1964"
From the booklet “Tokyo Olympic Basketball Games Guide 1964”
Jimbocho in Tokyo is famous for dozens of stores that sell used books and magazines. One day I came upon a thin booklet called “Tokyo Olympic Basketball Games Guide 1964”. It’s a straightforward illustration of who the players on each of the national basketball teams , and what the rules of basketball are.

Youu can see here the wonderful use of illustration to explain the infractions. I find the tongue and cheekiness surprising and refreshing. The illustrated explanations for “Pushing” and “Technical Foul” show us a bit what the Japanese thought about themselves and Americans (perhaps).

See more below.

From the booklet "Tokyo Olympic Basketball Games Guide 1964"
From the booklet “Tokyo Olympic Basketball Games Guide 1964”