Experience Competitive Karuta at 'Karuta Challenge 2025'
The Japan Karuta Association, based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, along with Cow Soap Co. from Osaka, is excited to announce the inaugural competitive karuta event titled
'Cow Soap Presents: Karuta Challenge 2025 in Osaka, Kita-Mido'. Scheduled for September 13-14, this event invites novices, especially younger participants, to dive into the captivating world of competitive karuta.
This event includes engaging activities designed for beginners, such as the ‘
Card Toss,’ where participants test how far they can toss karuta cards, and ‘
Jumbo Karuta,’ an interactive race to grab large karuta cards. In addition, there will be expert exhibition matches featuring esteemed champions and karuta classes conducted by an everlasting queen, tailored for those just starting their journey in this traditional Japanese game.
The tournament will also include a national competition, specifically for B and C level players on September 13 and D and E level players on September 14. Attendees can watch the tournament rounds from the stands.
Event Overview
- - Event Name: Cow Soap Presents: Karuta Challenge 2025 in Osaka, Kita-Mido
- - Dates:
September 13 (Saturday)
- Interactive Experience Event: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- National Tournament (Osaka Tournament B & C levels): 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
September 14 (Sunday)
- Interactive Experience Event: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- National Tournament (Osaka Tournament D & E levels): 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
No pre-registration is required for the experience events, which welcome all newcomers.*
The Japan Karuta Association aims to significantly increase the number of participants and foster recognition of competitive karuta in society. For long, the association’s focus has been primarily on tournaments, yet to truly cultivate a community of enthusiasts and appreciate the charm and excitement of karuta, they recognize the need for more inclusive and engaging activities.
Cow Soap, a proud supporter of this event, believes in the inclusivity of competitive karuta, emphasizing its adaptability across age, gender, and nationality. They hope that through this initiative, more individuals will connect with the sport and discover its sense of community and cultural depth.
Encouraging Local Engagement
The venue, Kita-Mido, is regarded as a historic gathering place that the organizers hope will spark vibrancy within the community. The event invites participation from all, particularly those who have previously had limited opportunities to experience karuta. This reflects a broader intent to support locality and foster a sense of belonging.
With the motto ‘
Touch, Learn, Love!’, the event aspires to make a lasting impression on visitors, particularly aiming to familiarize younger generations and beginners with competitive karuta. The hope is that the experience inspires future enthusiasts and cultivates potential competitors, thereby ensuring the tradition remains vital and engaging.
A Historical Connection
Kita-Mido, also known as Hongwanji Tsukiji Betuin, carries historical significance, which will be noted during the opening of competitive matches. The event kicks off with the recitation of a traditional poetic piece denoting the origin of Osaka, bridging contemporary competitive karuta with its rich cultural roots.
The Japan Karuta Association, established in 1954 and officially registered as a general corporation in 2014, aims to not only hold competitive karuta tournaments but also to cultivate education and further outreach. Their commitment to promoting Japanese culture through the art of traditional karuta resonates deeply, embodying the spirit behind the
Karuta Challenge 2025.
Embrace the Excitement
Join the
Karuta Challenge 2025 to experience an enriching combination of learning, competition, and community spirit. Whether you are a passive observer or an aspiring card tosser, this event promises a delightful engagement with one of Japan’s beloved traditional games.
For more information, stay tuned for details expected to be released in mid-August.