The Most Popular Card Game in Japan, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the card game you think is the most popular!

Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:32

In Japan, card games hold a unique place in both traditional and contemporary culture, weaving a rich tapestry of strategic depth and social engagement. From quiet living room floors to boisterous tournament halls, these games serve as more than just a pastime. They are a way for people of all ages to challenge their minds, enjoy company, and engage in friendly competition. This dynamic collection of popular games has inspired us to create a live ranking system that reflects what fans love most. By casting your vote, you help paint a clearer picture of which games resonate the most with enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned player or new to the scene, your opinion counts and contributes to shaping the landscape of the game community.

What Is the Most Popular Card Game in Japan?

1

55
votes
Hanafuda

Hanafuda is one of the most popular card games in Japan. It is a traditional Japanese card game that is played with a deck of floral cards. It is popular among children and adults alike, and it is often played during family gatherings and festivals.
Hanafuda is a traditional Japanese card game that originated in the 18th century. It is often played with a deck of 48 cards, divided into twelve suits each representing a month of the year. The cards are beautifully illustrated with different flowers, animals, and other symbols. The objective of the game is to collect cards and create specific combinations to earn points.

Number of Players: 2 or more

Deck Size: 48 cards

Card Categories: 12 suits representing months of the year

Card Illustrations: Flowers, animals, and other symbols

Objectives: Collect cards and create combinations for points
2

32
votes
Karuta

Karuta is a popular card game in Japan that is played with a deck of cards featuring images and Japanese poems. It is a competitive game that requires quick reflexes and a good memory.
Karuta is a traditional Japanese card game that has gained immense popularity in Japan. It is primarily played as a competitive matching game, where players compete to be the first to identify and grab the correct card. The game consists of two types of cards - Yomifuda (reading cards) and Torifuda (grabbing cards).

Number of players: 2 or more

Age range: All ages

Cards: 100 Yomifuda (reading cards) and multiple sets of Torifuda (grabbing cards)

Objective: To be the first to grab the corresponding Torifuda card based on the information read from the Yomifuda card

Gameplay: Players listen to the reader who reads out a poem, proverb, or historical fact from a Yomifuda card. They have to identify and grab the matching Torifuda card from a spread of face-down cards.
3

26
votes
Trump

Trump is a Japanese variation of the classic card game of Bridge. It is a popular game in Japan, and it is often played in social settings such as parties and gatherings.
Trump is a popular card game in Japan which is also known as daifugo or Daihinmin. It is a shedding-type game that involves players getting rid of their cards as quickly as possible to win the game.

Number of Players: 3 or more

Deck Size: 52 cards

Card Ranking: A > K > Q > J > 10 > 9 > 8 > 7 > 6 > 5 > 4 > 3 > 2

Gameplay Type: Turn-based

Objective: To be the first player to get rid of all cards
4

16
votes
Daifugo

Daifugo is a popular Japanese card game that is similar to the Western game of President. It is a competitive game that requires strategy and skill.
Daifugo is a popular Japanese card game that originated in the late 20th century. It is a strategic shedding game played with a standard deck of 52 cards. The game is known for its fast-paced and competitive nature, making it a favorite among players of all ages.

Number of players: 4 or more

Deck: Standard deck of 52 cards

Objective: To get rid of all cards in hand as quickly as possible

Ranking: Players are ranked from Daifugo (Grand millionaire) to Daihinmin (Groveling and beggar)

Turns: Play proceeds in clockwise direction
5

22
votes
Koi-Koi

Koi-Koi is a traditional Japanese card game that is often played during New Year's celebrations. It is a simple game that is easy to learn, but it can be challenging to master.
Koi-Koi is a traditional Japanese card game that is widely popular in Japan. It is a matching and collecting game derived from Hanafuda, a deck of playing cards unique to Japan. The objective of Koi-Koi is to collect sets of cards based on their month or rank, and players earn points by forming specific combinations of cards.

Deck: 48 cards (12 suits of 4 cards each)

Players: 2 or more

Duration: Varies (typically 10-20 minutes per round)

Ages: Suitable for all ages

Skills: Strategy, memory, pattern recognition
6

15
votes
Oicho-Kabu

Oicho-Kabu is a Japanese card game that is similar to the Western game of Blackjack. It is a popular game in Japan, and it is often played in social settings such as parties and gatherings.
Oicho-Kabu is a traditional Japanese gambling card game often played for fun and entertainment. It is commonly played with a deck of Hanafuda cards, which consists of 48 cards divided into 12 suits representing the months of the year.

Type: Gambling Card Game

Deck: Hanafuda cards

Number of Players: 2 or more

Objective: To have a hand with the total value closest to 9 or 19

Card Values: Each card has a unique point value ranging from 1 to 10
7

15
votes
Go-Stop

Go-Stop is a Korean card game that is popular in Japan. It is a competitive game that requires strategy and skill.
Go-Stop, also known as Godori, is a traditional Korean card game that has gained widespread popularity in Japan. It is a matching game played with Hanafuda cards, a deck of cards featuring seasonal flowers and animals. The objective of the game is to score points by collecting sets of cards and capturing specific card combinations.

Number of Players: 2-5 players

Deck Size: 48 cards (Hanafuda deck)

Card Rankings: Each card has a certain rank value

Point System: Different combinations of cards are worth various points

Bonus Cards: Certain cards grant bonus points or special abilities
8

6
votes
Matsuri

Matsuri is a Japanese card game that is often played during festivals and other cultural events. It is a simple game that is easy to learn, but it can be challenging to master.
Matsuri is a popular card game in Japan that is often played during festivals and special events. It is a fast-paced game that combines elements of luck and strategy, and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The game involves collecting cards, creating matching sets, and strategically using special cards to gain an advantage over opponents.

Number of Players: 2-6 players

Playing Time: 15-30 minutes

Age Range: 8+ years

Deck Size: 52 cards

Special Cards: Yes
9

3
votes
Tensho

Tensho is a Japanese card game that is played with a deck of cards featuring images of animals. It is a competitive game that requires strategy and skill.
Tensho is one of the most popular card games in Japan. It is a trick-taking game played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards. The objective of the game is to win as many tricks as possible and accumulate points. Tensho is typically played by three to five players, and it is known for its strategic gameplay and competitive nature.

Number of Players: 3-5

Deck: Standard deck of 52 playing cards

Objective: Win tricks and accumulate points

Game Type: Trick-taking

Origin: Japan
10

7
votes
Hachihachi

Hachihachi is a Japanese card game that is similar to the Western game of Euchre. It is a popular game in Japan, and it is often played in social settings such as parties and gatherings.
Hachihachi is a traditional Japanese card game that is widely popular in Japan. It is a trick-taking game that requires strategic thinking and careful planning. The game is played with a deck of 48 cards.

Number of Players: 2-7

Deck Size: 48 cards

Objective: To score the most points by winning tricks

Card Rankings: Each suit has its own ranking, with the trump suit having the highest ranking cards

Trick-Taking: Players must follow suit if possible, and the highest-ranked card wins the trick

Missing your favorite card game?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for popular card game

Number of players

The number of people who regularly play the game, both casually and competitively, can indicate its popularity in Japan.
Cultural significance

How deeply ingrained the card game is in Japanese culture, including its history and presence in media such as television shows, movies, and books.
Accessibility

How easy it is for new players to learn and play the game, including the availability of resources and tutorials in Japanese.
Competitive scene

The presence of organized tournaments and events for the card game, as well as the level of support from the game's publisher or other organizations.
Sales figures

The number of card game products sold, such as decks, booster packs, and accessories, can be an indicator of its popularity.
Online presence

The popularity of the card game on social media, online forums, and websites, as well as the number of active players on online platforms.
Age demographics

The age range of players who enjoy the card game, as a more diverse age range can indicate wider appeal and a more popular game.
Crossover appeal

If the card game is part of a larger franchise, such as Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh!, the popularity of the franchise as a whole may contribute to the card game's popularity.
Regional preferences

The popularity of a card game may vary by region, so it's important to consider regional preferences and trends within Japan.
Innovation and evolution

How well the card game adapts to changing trends, introduces new game mechanics, and keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting for players.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular card game in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3940 views
198 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each game once every 24 hours. The rank of each game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular card game in japan

Japan is a country rich in culture, history, and traditions. One of the many interesting aspects of Japanese culture is their love for card games. Card games have been a popular pastime in Japan for centuries and continue to be a favorite activity among people of all ages. One of the most popular card games in Japan is known as "Karuta." This traditional Japanese card game is played with a deck of 100 cards divided into two types: "Yomifuda" (reading cards) and "Torifuda" (grabbing cards). The objective of the game is to be the first player to grab the correct Torifuda card corresponding to the Yomifuda card that is read out loud. Another popular card game in Japan is "Hanafuda." This game is played with a deck of 48 cards that are divided into 12 suits, each representing a month of the year. The objective of the game is to collect sets of cards based on the various suits. Other popular card games in Japan include "Daifugo," "Baba-nuki," and "Trump." These games vary in complexity and rules, but they all share the common theme of being enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. With such a rich history and variety of card games, it's no wonder that Japan has become a hub for card game enthusiasts. Whether it's playing with friends and family or participating in national tournaments, card games continue to be an integral part of Japanese culture.

Explore other rankings

Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.