#Japan #Kyoto #JICA #Peter McMillan #Hundred Poems

Third International English Karuta Tournament in Kyoto

On February 13, 2026, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is set to hold the Third International English Karuta Tournament at the Daikaku-ji Temple in Kyoto. This event, made possible through collaboration with Peter J. McMillan and the temple, will feature around 50 international students from approximately 30 countries, including nations from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Peter J. McMillan is renowned for his translations of classical Japanese works, including the famous "Hyakunin Isshu" and "Man'yōshū", and he actively shares not only these translations but also the historical and cultural contexts behind them. Serving as a lecturer for the day's festivities, McMillan will give a presentation on the "Hyakunin Isshu" that will delve into the sentiments of the Japanese people and the landscapes that inspired them. Participants will then engage in the English version of the card game, WHACK A WAKA, which is based on these traditional Japanese poems.

In the afternoon, attendees will embark on a cultural expedition through the Sawa and Ogura Mountain area, visiting three temples associated with Fujiwara no Teika, who is believed to have selected the poems for the "Hyakunin Isshu". This journey aims to enlighten JICA students about the significance of cultural heritage in Japan, offering them the opportunity to reflect on their own cultures and tourism resources.

Schedule

• - Date: February 13, 2026

JICA International Students: These individuals come from developing countries to Japan through JICA’s support programs, attending graduate school programs (master’s or doctoral level). They include government officials, researchers, and private sector representatives, and they are expected to become future leaders that will contribute to their countries’ development. In addition to their specialized studies, they are also expected to learn about Japanese history and culture, serving as bridges between Japan and developing countries. Currently, around 250 students are studying at 13 graduate schools in the Kansai region.