Equipment and Cards

Competitive Karuta uses a single, standardized set of 100 poems: the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu. The equipment consists of reading cards (yomifuda) and playing cards (torifuda).

Reading Cards (Yomifuda)

The reading cards show the full poem: the upper part (上の句, kami no ku) and the lower part (下の句, shimo no ku). The reader holds these and reads them in order. In competition, only the upper part (or a unique portion) is usually read; once the poem is identified, players race to touch the matching playing card. Reading cards are not placed on the playing field.

Example of a reading card – full poem text

Playing Cards (Torifuda)

The playing cards show only the lower part (下の句) of each poem, often in a mix of script styles. The full set has 100 cards, but only 50 are used per match: 25 on each player’s side in a fixed layout. The other 50 (Kara-fuda, 空札) are not in play for that game. Players must recognize the poem from the reciter’s recitation and touch the correct playing card. Card size and layout are standardized so that matches are fair and consistent.

Example of a playing card – lower phrase only

Official Set and Sizes

For official competition, the All Japan Karuta Association specifies card sizes and the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu text. Most common official card set is sold by Ooishi Tengu Do. Available at Amazon and official website.Kyoto Ooishi Tengu Do website

Playing Surface

Matches are traditionally played on tatami (woven straw mat). Players sit in a kneeling or sitting position and move to touch cards. A flat, non-slip surface and enough space for the card layout and the reader are required. In non-Japan environments, a firm mat or carpet that allows quick movement is often used.