Japan is known for its rich culture and heritage, which includes a wide variety of traditional games. Among these, card games occupy a special place, with their history dating back several centuries. Here are some of the top card games in Japan that are still popular today.
Karuta
Karuta is a traditional Japanese card game that has been played for centuries. It is played with two sets of cards – one set has pictures of different items or scenes, while the other set has corresponding poems. The objective of the game is to match the pictures with the correct poem as quickly as possible. Karuta is popular among both children and adults, and is often played during New Year's celebrations and other festivals.
Hanafuda
Hanafuda is another traditional Japanese card game that has been around for centuries. It is played with a deck of 48 cards, with each card representing a different month of the year and a different flower or plant. The objective of the game is to collect sets of cards that represent different combinations of flowers and plants. Hanafuda is popular among all age groups, and is often played during family gatherings and other social events.
Poker
Poker is a popular card game that has been played in Japan for many years. It is similar to the Western version of the game, but with some unique variations. For example, in Japanese poker, the game is played with a deck of 48 cards instead of 52, and the ranking of hands is slightly different. Japanese poker is often played in casinos and other gambling establishments, and is popular among both locals and tourists.
Trump
Trump is a Japanese card game that is similar to the Western game of bridge. It is played with a deck of 40 cards, with each card representing a different suit. The objective of the game is to win tricks by playing the highest card in the suit that has been led. Trump is popular among both young and old, and is often played during family gatherings and other social events.
Daifugō
Daifugō is a popular card game in Japan that is similar to the Western game of president. It is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, with the aim of getting rid of all the cards in your hand. The game has a hierarchical structure, with players ranked according to their success in previous rounds. Daifugō is often played among friends and family members, and is a popular pastime during the holidays.
Conclusion
Card games have been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries, and continue to be popular today. Whether you're looking for a traditional game like Karuta or Hanafuda, or a more modern game like poker or trump, there's something for everyone. So why not try your hand at one of these popular card games the next time you're in Japan?
