This listing is for a set of vintage menko cards in a round, printed, collectible style that were popular in the 1950s to 1970s. Read more below to learn more about this game.

A heavyweight contender with a sneaky twist! This unusual vintage Japanese menko features a colorful wrestling scene with a fierce tiger-masked fighter and appears to have been homemade by sandwiching a hard, weighted center between multiple layers of cardboard cards, secured with staples around the edges. Weighing an impressive 52 grams (nearly 2 ounces), this possible homemade "cheater" menko shows signs of age, use, and wear, including surface creases, scuffs, worn edges, and exposed cardboard layers.

Menko are traditional Japanese game cards that have entertained children for generations, becoming especially popular during the mid-20th century. Made from sturdy cardboard in a variety of shapes and sizes, these colorful cards feature everything from samurai and sports figures to superheroes, monsters, and beloved television and anime characters. Players traditionally took turns throwing their menko onto the ground, attempting to flip an opponent's card using the force of impact or a burst of air. Today, vintage menko are nostalgic collectibles that offer a fascinating glimpse into Japanese childhood, popular culture, and the bold, colorful artwork of the Showa era. Each card carries a little piece of history, often with signs of wear from years of enthusiastic play.

See last photo for playing instructions. Click here to watch a video of people playing.