Vtg Japanese Hyakunin Isshu Card Game

This is a vintage Japanese karuta card game called Hyakunin Isshu. The cards are made out of a strong paper cardstock and are blue on the backs. It comes with game instructions and recitation guide.

Hyakunin Isshu is a classical Japanese anthology of one hundred Japanese waka by one hundred poets. Hyakunin Isshu can be translated to “one hundred people, one poem [each]”; it can also refer to the card game of uta-garuta, which uses a deck composed of cards based on the Hyakunin Isshu. There are 2 types of cards: the whole of the poem and the poet’s image and name, and the last part of the poem. The cards are set out on the floor and it’s the player’s job to match the cards. Professional karuta games often have a reader, and the two players fight to make the match.

• Multi-color, blue
• 200 cards (complete set)
• Kanji on the box: Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, Made by Oishi Tengudo, Kyoto
• Paper
• C1980
• Item weight: 747 grams
• Packed weight: 1047 grams 
• Approx. [Card] 7.5 cm long x 5 cm wide; [Box] 16.5 cm long x 11 cm wide x 7 cm tall
• Good condition considering age. Wear and tear due to age. Please see the photos carefully.
• We acquired this item at an antique auction in Tajimi in Gifu, Japan.

Shipping: We ship worldwide by Japan Post. Adding this item to your cart shows you the shipping prices and options. We do combine shipping and if the cart does not give you a discount, we will refund any extra shipping paid in the case of overpayment.

About Us: We are Dan and Maiko. Since moving to Japan in 2001, we have gained a vast knowledge of Japanese antiques and vintage items. We are excited to offer you a delightful glimpse of the beauty that Japan has to offer. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.