This is the original Japanese Hyakuninisshu KIMARIJI karuta made by Tengudo.

Perfect to use for practicing the competitive karuta as a beginner.

The Playing/Grabbing cards (torifuda) use only the hiragana writings and has the kimariji (決まり字) in the background. In competitive karuta, the kimariji (決まり字) is the deciding syllable or minimum number of characters required to uniquely identify a specific poem from the 100 cards used in the game. Because players use clues to match verses, memorizing these unique starting sounds is the key to speed up recognizing the card you are searching for to win the match.

The Reading cards (yomifuda) uses both hiragana and kanji writings.

You can use the Wasuramoti reader app if you need a reader. Or download the Competitive Karuta ONLINE app.

Tengudo is a traditional karuta maker situated in Kyoto, Japan. They have been making karuta for generations. Today, they make both karuta made by machines and traditional hand-made karuta.You can purchase the hand-made karutas used in the national competitions of the competitive karuta (kyogi karuta) in our karuta shop as well.

These cards are called Original Japanese Karuta Tengudo Torifuda (Playing cards) and Original Japanese Karuta Tengudo Yomifuda (Reading cards).