JK 27 is the earliest baseball karuta set known that consists of primarily non-generic players. Only two different cards from this set have ever been seen. The other depicts Japan Hall of Fame member, Naotaka Makino. Only three examples of this Matsui card are known to exist.

Hisashi Matsui was a left fielder for Meiji University from 1929 to 1933, and was often their cleanup hitter. He batted .302 in Spring 1930 and .344 in Fall 1930. Matsui also had a good eye and drew a large number of walks during his career.

How do we know that this is a 1932 set? The card originally came with an associated schedule card lists part of the Big Six University spring baseball schedule. While no year is mentioned, the day of the week is listed for each date, and these days coincide with the 1932 calendar.

Blank back card.

Size:1 1/4" x 1 7/8".

Condition: Good