🎎 Vintage Tokyo Gymnasium Locker Key & Wooden Tag – Japan Antique Roadshow

This curious and charming artifact comes from the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium (東京体育館) and is believed to be a locker key from the mid to late Showa period, though it may date earlier. The item consists of two parts: a hand-sized wooden tag and a distinctive metal key, both connected by sturdy twine.

The wooden tag measures 11 cm x 4 cm x 1 cm, and the key is approximately 6.25 cm long by 3.5 cm at its widest point. The combined weight is 30 grams.

Upon close examination, the lettering and border on the wood appear to have been applied with a heated branding iron rather than carved or printed. This is suggested by the slightly charred edges, the smooth depression of the grain, and the organic, non-uniform quality of the lines—common features of hot-branding techniques used in institutional settings in mid-century Japan.

The metal key is numbered "25" and was likely used for a shoe locker or clothing cubby. This type of key was common in Japanese bathhouses, schools, and gyms. It would have been inserted vertically into a slot, where the downward push activated a spring-loaded mechanism, locking or releasing the door. Its unusual silhouette and functional design make it a standout example of Japanese utilitarian craftsmanship.

Whether you’re a collector of Japanese relics, a key enthusiast, or simply appreciate the quiet beauty of everyday objects from the past, this rare and well-preserved piece is a compelling addition to any collection.

Welcome to the Japan Antique Roadshow. My name is Kurt Bell and I am delighted that you have taken some time to share a little of Japan with me.