Karuta

Japanese card-matching family — a reader chants a verse, players race to snatch the matching card.

🌤indoor

What is Karuta?

Karuta is a Japanese card-game family originating in the 16th century (the word itself is derived from the Portuguese carta). A reader chants a verse and players race to grab the matching card from those spread on the floor. Competitive Hyakunin Isshu karuta is played on the elite All-Japan Karuta Association circuit and requires an astonishing combination of memory, hearing and hand-speed.

Quick facts

Category

Card Games

Type

Individual

Players

2–8

Where played

indoor

Country of origin

🇯🇵 Japan

Estimated origin

16th-century Japan — Portuguese influence, then dedicated Japanese decks

Olympic

No

Popularity

regional

Sources & provenance

Last verified 2026-08-24.verified