An advertising postcard for “Bateaux Eidai’s Japon”, c. 1965, published by the exclusive Western European (BeNeLux [Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg], France, and Germany) distributor of the Eipet-KB, a collapsible wood-framed recreational boat. The boat was manufactured in Japan by Eidai Co., first founded in 1946 as a purveyor of plywood and other wood products for post-war reconstruction. The outboard motor was manufactured by the postwar Kawasaki Aircraft Co. which entered the small-engine market in 1957 to compete in the growing mechanized farming and recreational vehicle markets in Japan.

From the reverse of the postcard (below):

“Kayaks, removable boats with motor, motor boats of all types, Cruisers. Hydrofoil motorboats unique in Europe. The Eipet-KB, shown on the back, is a boat built especially for caravanning and other. It is built in very thick plasticized canvas. Wooden frame, completely removable, inflatable, it can be stored in its bag; is supplied with motor.

“Unrivaled prices for everyone.

“Complete documentation. Free color catalogs.

“Cash – Credit

“17,850 frs Luxury tax included”

Reverse of “Bateaux Eidai’s Japon”, c. 1965.

“Japan’s rapidly expanding economy in the 1950s and 1960s resulted in more leisure time recreational options for people, including the creation of a nascent domestic marine leisure market.

“With histories of small-engine manufacturing success, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki began exporting small-engine outboard motor overseas led by Tohatsu, a Tokyo manufacturing company founded in 1922 that began producing Japan’s first outboard motors in 1956.”

– Wikipedia

F. Ysabeaux magazine advertisement for the Eipet-KB, c. 1965. Source: Kawasaki mon Amour