Hyakunin Isshu facts for kids

Yomifuda of Hyakunin isshu (Emperor Tenji)

Hyakunin Isshu (百人一首) is a special collection of 100 waka poems. These poems were written by 100 different famous Japanese poets. The collection is used to play a fun card game. There are 200 cards in total, split into two types: 100 Yomifuda cards and 100 Torifuda cards.

Playing Hyakunin Isshu

Hyakunin Isshu is a very popular game in Japan. Many families and friends play it, especially during the New Year celebrations. You can play a few different games with these cards.

How to Play Karuta

The most popular game is called Karuta. Here is how it works:

• First, a "reader" reads out loud the first part of a poem. This part is called the Kaminoku (upper words).
• The Kaminoku is about 17 characters long, usually in a 5,7,5 syllable pattern.
• Players listen carefully to the Kaminoku.
• Then, players quickly try to find the matching card that has the second part of the poem written on it. This second part is called the Shimonoku (lower words).
• The Shimonoku is about 14 characters long, usually in a 7,7 syllable pattern.
• The Kaminoku is not written on the cards. So, players who have memorized the Kaminoku for each poem have a big advantage!
• The goal is to pick up the correct card as fast as you can.
• The player who collects the most cards wins the game!

Images for kids

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  Ogura shikishi by Teika

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  An Edo-period illustrated Hyakunin Isshu book, with Priest Kisen and Ono no Komachi.

See also

In Spanish: Hyakunin Isshu para niños