Rikidozan (1924-1963), known as the father of Japanese Professional wrestling, was born in North Korea. He was originally a sumo wrestler but gave that up in 1950 as a result of discrimination against him in this very traditional sport because of his ethnicity. In 1951 he began his pro wrestling career. He died in 1963 after being stabbed by a Yakuza member. The B&W bromide card (blank backed) was printed in 1962. The two menko cards are from the 1950s. One of them shows Rikidozan wrestling one of the Sharpe Brothers.
Size: Bromide--2 3/4" x 7 1/8". Round menko--3/8" diameter. Rectangular menko--1 1/4" x 2 5/8".
Condition: Bromide--G/Vg. Round menko--G/Vg. Rectangular menko--Vg/Ex.
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Anaheim Convention Center Booth #1502