In 1936, Shōnen Club magazine published an illustrated article entitled "World Transportation Invention Competition," which took a look at the future of transportation.



Sphere-wheeled car -- Reiji Iizuka, 1936

This futuristic car with spherical wheels, illustrated by Reiji Iizuka, is based on an idea from a German inventor. The vehicle's tires -- a pair of oversized rubbery spheres -- offer a smoother ride than the conventional tires on a four-wheeled car, and they act as a cushion in the event of an accident.

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Amazingly swift flying machine -- Matsujirō Murakami, 1936 [+]

This ultra-fast airplane, illustrated by Matsujirō Murakami, is based on a design by an American inventor. The vehicle is powered by propellers that blast air through a pair of large ducts.

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Ship with built-in boat dock - Gyosui Suzuki, 1936 [+]

This safety-conscious passenger ship, illustrated by Gyosui Suzuki, is based on an idea by an American inventor. The hull of the ship is designed to open up in an emergency, and it contains a small fleet of boats that allow people to escape quickly and safely.

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Mountain monorail - Kikuzō Itō, 1936 [+]

The design for this innovative monorail train, illustrated by Kikuzō Itō, originated with an American inventor. The two-wheeled design looks rather precarious, but the powerful airplane propeller and tail fin manage to keep the train upright and stable as it zips through the mountains. Extra wheels extend out from the sides when the train comes to a halt.

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High-speed tank-style boat - Matsujirō Murakami, 1936

This high-speed battle boat, illustrated by Matsujirō Murakami, is also inspired by an American design. A pair of caterpillar tracks allow the vessel to roll across the water like a tank on land.

[Source: 昭和之雜誌廣告・ナツカシモノ]