MAY Read, Take, Play - Living with the Seasons: 12 Months on Tatami

⭐ Join us for a special two-day event on a spacious 100-tatami mat floor, where you can fully immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese game of "Hyakunin Isshu and Karuta." Witness high-energy matches by top players in the Competitive Karuta Demonstration, or join an authentic Competitive Karuta Workshop. From beautiful traditional cards to the Future Karuta “VR Hyakunin Isshu Karuta,” rediscover the joy of Japanese culture through tournaments, master challenges, and a charity booth by the Chihayafuru Fund.

Highlights
👘 The Ultimate Karuta Collection: Experience everything from timelessly beautiful cards to the latest Future Karuta “VR Hyakunin Isshu Karuta” on a vast 100-tatami mat stage.
📱 Future Karuta: No memorization required! Use digital technology to intuitively understand the depth of competitive Karuta, even as a beginner.
🏆 Exclusive Master Encounters: A rare opportunity to interact directly with and even challenge a Karuta Master.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun for Everyone: A multi-generational experience designed to be enjoyed by everyone from children to seniors.

General Info
📅 Dates: May 23 (Sat) – May 24 (Sun) 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
⏳ Duration (Programs available on this guide):

• Competitive Karuta Workshop: Approx. 30 minutes
• Challenge the Karuta Master!: Approx. 30 minutes

📍 Location: MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives Tatami
🗨️ Program Lineup (Free entry / Some paid activities):

• Competitive Karuta Demonstration (Free / No reservation required)
• Competitive Karuta Workshop (Paid / Reservation required) *Elementary school age and above
• Challenge the Karuta Master! (Paid / Reservation required) *Elementary school age and above
• Traditional Card Party “Obosan-mekuri”(Played with picture cards) (Paid / Same-day tickets)
• Speed Card Party “Chirashi-dori” (Paid / Same-day tickets)
• Future Karuta “VR Hyakunin Isshu Karuta” (Free / Numbered tickets distributed on the day)
• “Chihayafuru Fund” Charity Merchandise Booth and Traditional Karuta Exhibition (No reservation required)

👤 Age Requirement: Competitive Karuta Workshops and Master Challenges are for elementary school students and above. Preschoolers are unfortunately unable to participate.
♿ Accessibility: Wheelchairs are not permitted on the Tatami mats. However, those who can move to the veranda independently can participate using a high chair with staff support. If you wish to view from a wheelchair or require assistance, please contact (0570-022-030) before purchasing tickets.
❓ Please consult the FAQs for this experience here.

Description
Playing Traditional Karuta in the Modern Era
"Living with the Seasons: 12 Months on Tatami" is a monthly program held on a 100-tatami mat floor. In May, we celebrate the traditional Japanese game of "Hyakunin Isshu and Karuta." Listen to the evocative chanting of poems and the sharp sound of hands striking the mats. From ancient, beautiful cards to the latest VR technology, the entire world of Karuta gathers here on the "Tatami."

About Living with the Seasons: 12 Months on Tatami
Once, the "Tatami" mat was the heart of Japanese life—a place to feel the seasonal breeze, savor seasonal flavors, and converse with family. Through this lifestyle of following the natural flow of time, Japan accumulated a wealth of flexible and rich wisdom. "Living with the Seasons" is a monthly program that invites everyone to cherish the seasons together on a grand stage of 100 tatami mats.