1.
Hyakunin Isshu; anthology of one hundred poems by one hundred poets
A classical Japanese anthology of one hundred waka poems, each by a different poet, compiled by Fujiwara no Teika in the 13th century. Also refers to the traditional card game based on these poems.
お正月に百人一首をする。
We play Hyakunin Isshu at New Year's.
子どもの頃、百人一首を全部暗記した。
As a child, I memorized all one hundred poems of the Hyakunin Isshu.
百人一首の大会は競技かるたとして全国で行われている。
Hyakunin Isshu tournaments are held nationwide as competitive karuta.
Literally "百人 (one hundred people) + 一首 (one poem each)." The most famous collection is the 小倉百人一首, compiled by 藤原の定家 around 1235. The poems span from the 7th to 13th centuries.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 百人一首をする: to play Hyakunin Isshu (card game)
- 百人一首の札: Hyakunin Isshu cards
- 百人一首を覚える: to memorize the hundred poems
- 競技百人一首: competitive Hyakunin Isshu
THE CARD GAME:
Played with two sets of cards: 読み札 (reading cards with the full poem) and 取り札 (grabbing cards with only the second half). A reader recites the first half, and players compete to grab the matching card. Competitive karuta (競技かるた) is a serious sport with national championships.
CULTURAL NOTE:
Traditionally played during 正月 (New Year's). Many Japanese students learn some of these poems in school. The manga and anime 'Chihayafuru' popularized competitive karuta among younger generations.