karuta card game

Japanese Name

かるたとり

karutatori

Description

Karuta-tori is a traditional Japanese card game where players quickly grab cards with poems or phrases written on them after hearing a reader recite the beginning part. It tests players’ speed, memory, and concentration and is often played during New Year celebrations.

Karuta originated in Japan during the Edo period (1603–1868), influenced by Portuguese playing cards (carta). Over time, Japanese people adapted the cards to create unique games, including uta-garuta, which uses poetry from the classical anthology Hyakunin Isshu.
Karuta remains popular in Japan today, especially during New Year celebrations, and competitive karuta tournaments are held nationwide. It is also used as an educational tool for learning Japanese language and poetry.