The "reader" randomly draws a yomifuda from the deck and reads it aloud. Players race each other to determine which torifuda corresponds to the yomifuda clue and then to touch/grab/claim the correct card first. Repeat steps two and three until no cards remain. Whichever player has the most cards wins!

Who is the current Karuta Queen?

Ms. Sae Tsuruta, a 4th year student at the School of Education, Kyushu University bagged the title of the Queen in 2017. Ms. Tsuruta is willing to work for next year's championship tournament, which gives hope for a second consecutive title.

How long does a game of Karuta take?

An average karuta game lasts about 90 minutes, including a 15-minute pre-match memorizing time. In national tournaments the winner usually plays 5 to 7 matches.