Uta-garuta

 is a type of a deck of "karuta", Japanese traditional playing cards. A set of "uta-garuta" contains 100 cards, with a "waka" poem written on each. "Uta-garuta" is also the name of the game in which the deck is used. The standard collection of poems used is the "Hyakunin Isshu", chosen by poet Fujiwara no Teika in the Heian period, which is often also used as the name of the game.
Since early 20th century the game is played mostly on Japanese New Year holidays.
How to play.
Basic rules.
The game uses two types of cards.
The game is played with the players seated on the floor. At the start of a game, 100 "torifuda" are neatly arranged on the floor face up between the players. When the reader starts reading out a poem on the "yomifuda", the players quickly search for the "torifuda" on which the corresponding final phrase is written.
There are two ways to play the game based on the rules above.
Chirashi-dori.
One reader, three or more players:
Genpei-gassen.
One reader, two teams of one or more players each:
Strategy.
The odds of winning increase if one knows the phrases. One even may be able to take a card immediately after hearing the reader read aloud only the first letters of the yomifuda poem. Technique in reading is also very important, having to know how to correctly space out the words and the seconds of the pause.
Competitive karuta.
In Japan there are national conventions for the competitive format of the game.
In popular culture.
The manga, anime series and live action movie "Chihayafuru" portrays the story of a group of young people who competitively play Hyakunin Isshu karuta with the aim of becoming best in the world. The series debuted in 2007, and its popularity has boosted the popularity of competitive "karuta" in Japan and abroad.
In episodes 4 and 5 of the anime series "Nanbaka", uta-garuta is the 3rd Event of the New Year Joint Cooperation tournament. Guard Seitarou, from Building 13, competed against Guard Kiji Mitsuba from Building 3. Uno from Building 13, Cell 13 competed against Trois and Honey from Building 3.
The 21st movie of the "Detective Conan" anime series, "", features a uta-garuta competition as the main storyline.