May: Read, Take, Play | Program & Event | MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives

concept

Play Traditional Karuta Now

Monthly Program "Living with the Seasons: 12 Months on Tatami" will be held on the spacious tatami floor of 100 tatami space. In May, we will offer two special days of traditional Japanese games, Hyakunin Isshu and Karuta. The soul-stirring poem chants and the thunderous slap of cards on tatami in competitive karuta. From beautiful traditional cards to VR Hyakunin Isshu karuta using the latest technology, every aspect of Karuta comes together here.

Living with the Seasons: 12 Months on Tatami

In the past, the tatami mat was always at the heart of Japanese life. On the tatami, people read the seasonal breezes, savored seasonal foods, welcomed the gods, and conversed with their families. In this way, we have accumulated a flexible and rich wisdom of living our daily lives in harmony with the flow of nature. "Living with the Seasons" is a monthly Program that uses approximately 100 tatami space as its stage, allowing everyone to appreciate the four seasons together.

Event Overview

schedule: May 23rd SAT.- May 24th SUN., 2026
time: 10:00〜18:00
Venue: Tatami (Floor Map)
Organized by: MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives
Co-organised by: All Japan Karuta Association / Chihayafuru Fund
cooperation: Tsuda University, Kurihara Laboratory

Event

Experience the Ultimate Karuta! Competitive Karuta Special Stage

Four of Competitive Karuta's top champions, including the reigning Meijin, come together for one special day. Watch, learn, and challenge̶immerse yourself in the real world of “Hyakunin Isshu.”
*Please note that the Competitive Karuta Workshop and Can You Beat a Karuta Master? are for elementary school students and older due to the nature of the sport. Preschool children are not permitted to participate.

Competitive Karuta Demonstration

time: Each day from 12:30 to 13:15 and from 15:30 to 16:15
Fee: Free (no reservation required)
Cast: Masayoshi Kawase (68th-70th, 72nd Meijin titleholder, 8th Dan) / Naho Inoue (68th Queen titleholder, 6th Dan) / Keitaro Kumehara (65th-67th Meijin titleholder, 8th Dan) / Tsubasa Tsubota (59th-60th Queen titleholder, Eternal Selection Champion, 7th Dan *Only on the 24th)

Competitive Karuta Workshop

time: Each day from 13:30 to 14:00 and from 16:30 to 17:00
Fee: 1,000 yen (reservations required)
Instructor: Masayoshi Kawase

Can You Beat a Karuta Master?

time: Each day from 10:30 to 11:00 and from 17:30 to 18:00
Fee: 1,500 yen (reservations required)
Instructor: Masayoshi Kawase / Naho Inoue / Keitaro Kumehara

Karuta Party — just jump in and play!

"Monk or Princess - Lucky Draw Party" — language is no barrier here, just pure fun! "Speed Card Party" — grab your target card before anyone else! Memory, instinct, and speed all count.

Monk or Princess - Lucky Draw Party

time: Each day at 11:00, 11:30, 14:30, and 15:00.
Fee: 300 yen (ticket required on the day)

Speed Card Party

time: Each day at 11:00, 11:30, 14:30, and 15:00.
Fee: 300 yen (ticket required on the day)

Karuta of the Future!? VR Hyakunin Isshu Karuta

Explore the latest research on "Karuta of the Future" — traditional play reimagined in virtual space by the Kurihara Laboratory at Tsuda University. No knowledge or experience required. Let technology unlock your inner karuta player.

Karuta of the Future

time: Each day from 11:00 to 12:00 and from 14:30 to 15:30
Fee: Free (first-come, first-served basis with numbered tickets on the day)

A Charity Merchandise Booth where You Can Easily Stop by and Traditional Karuta Exhibition

From its ancient origins to today, the All Japan Karuta Association will be exhibiting a diverse collection of karuta cards. There will also be a corner to discover exhibits showcasing the rich variety and beauty of karut. After enjoying the event, please stop by the Chihayafuru Fund charity merchandise booth which supports the popularization and promotion of competitive karuta and the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu. Why not rediscover and support Japanese culture embodied in games, while experiencing narratives woven by different eras and regions?

Date and Time: May 23rd SAT.- 24th SUN. 2026, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. *No reservation required.

Event Schedule

10:30〜: Can You Beat a Karuta Master?
1,500 yen (reservations required)
11:00〜: Monk or Princess - Lucky Draw Party & Speed Card Party
300 yen each (tickets available only on the day of the event)

Karuta of the Future!? VR Hyakunin Isshu Karuta
Free (first-come, first-served basis with numbered tickets on the day)
11:30〜: Monk or Princess - Lucky Draw Party & Speed Card Party
300 yen each (tickets available only on the day of the event)

Karuta of the Future!? VR Hyakunin Isshu Karuta
Free (first-come, first-served basis with numbered tickets on the day)
12:30〜: Competitive Karuta Demonstration
Free (no reservation required)
13:30〜: Competitive Karuta Workshop
1,000 yen (reservations required)
14:30〜: Monk or Princess - Lucky Draw Party & Speed Card Party
300 yen each (tickets available only on the day of the event)

Karuta of the Future!? VR Hyakunin Isshu Karuta
Free (first-come, first-served basis with numbered tickets on the day)
15:00〜: Monk or Princess - Lucky Draw Party & Speed Card Party
300 yen (tickets available only on the day of the event)

Karuta of the Future!? VR Hyakunin Isshu Karuta
Free (first-come, first-served basis with numbered tickets on the day)
15:30〜: Competitive Karuta Demonstration
Free (no reservation required)
16:30〜: Competitive Karuta Workshop
1,000 yen (reservations required)
17:30〜: Can You Beat a Karuta Master?
1,500 yen (reservations required)

* Event schedule for May 23rd (Sat) and 24th (Sun) is the same for both days.