Item Description: This is a vintage Japanese soroban (abacus), made of wood, featuring the rare and older 5-bead per rod style (five earth beads + one heaven bead). This style predates the modern 4-bead version used today. Likely made in the early-to-mid Showa era (1926–1950s). Beads and rods are intact and movable. No cracks or major damage, but shows signs of age and storage. Excellent for collectors of traditional Japanese tools or Showa-era memorabilia. About the 5-Bead Soroban: The 5-bead soroban was the standard in Japan until the mid-20th century. Each rod has five lower beads (earth beads) and one upper bead (heaven bead), based on Chinese-style abacuses. In the post-war era, Japan shifted to the modern 4+1 bead style for greater efficiency and compatibility with decimal calculation. Today, 5-bead sorobans are valued as historical artifacts and are rarely used for practice or education.