How Understanding a Poker Deck Explains Hanafuda.
In a poker deck, you can play games like Texas Hold’em, Rummy or even Go Fish. Similarly, players use a Hanafuda card deck to play different games. Popular Hanafuda games are Koi Koi, Go-Stop, Hachi-Hachi, and Sakura just to name a few. There are well over 100 Traditional and Modern varieties of different Hanafuda games! Each game has their own set of rules and scoring systems. The deck made by HanaFooda Hawaii Grinds focuses on the Hanafuda game called Sakura, also known as Hawaiian Hanafuda.
A standard poker deck is made up of 52 cards divided into four suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades). A standard Hanafuda deck has 48 cards divided into 12 suits. Each Hanafuda suit represents a month of the year. Additionally, each card has different points or abilities depending on the game you are playing. Therefore, much like a poker deck, a Hanafuda deck offers a wide range of game possibilities.
Sakura: The Name and History
In the early 1900s, Hawaii experienced a large migration of Japanese immigrants to work as laborers in the sugar cane and pineapple fields. The Japanese would quickly become one of the island’s largest ethnic groups, performing backbreaking labor on these island plantations. In short, these immigrants brought the Hanafuda card game with them and new game known as Hawaiian-Style Hanafuda, Hawaiian Hanafuda, or Sakura evolved. Today, it is a popular game and is a part of the rich Hawaiian culture passed down from generation to generation.
The name, Sakura, comes from the “Curtain Card” which features pink and red Japanese Sakura or cherry blossom flowers. In the game, this card is a very powerful and strategic, worth 20 points and can be used in 2 yaku combinations.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Hawaii’s Largest news organizations has a great easy to read article about some of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. If you have an interest, read more about the Issei, Nisei and the Gannenmono or “first year people”. I highly recommend checking it out.
Traditional Sakura Decks & the satisfying “Slap”!
When you think of traditional smaller Hanafuda playing cards, it’s impossible not to image the satisfying slap the cards make as one player animatedly throws down a card to capture another. These thicker and stiffer cards offer a unique enjoyment in the “smacking” sound they create when slapped together on the playing field. It’s a very tactile experience!
Modern Designed Sakura Decks
Modern Hanafuda decks showcase a wide variety of designs and are made by a variety of companies. There is often a blend of traditional Hanafuda inspiration with contemporary elements. Nintendo is a leader in popularity but there are also some very celebrated smaller independent companies that introduce new themes and artistic styles.
An exciting new Hanafuda deck created by HanaFooda, the Hawaii Grinds Deck focuses on the culinary connection of the Hawaiian Islands. This deck touches on many of the local favorite foods. There’s a range of featured foods from the traditional taro root which is a staple in Native Hawaiian culture. (Fun Fact, the taro root plant is also the state of Hawaii’s state plant.) This card deck has delightfully quirky illustrations of spam musubi, saimin noodles, lau lau, kalua pig and even shaved ice.
Another really cool Hawaiian inspired Hanafuda Decks are the ones created by Hanafuda Hawaii. Derived from the traditional game but adorned with artwork of Hawaii Nature and indigenous culture, they strive to bringing people together. Furthermore, we have to mention IndianWolf Studios, a two-person team that creates really beautiful Hanafuda Deck variations.
Today, artists are expanding the influence of Hanafuda beyond just card decks. Intricate designs inspired by the traditional art can be found on a wide range of items. From posters and jewelry to tea towels and home décor. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of seasonal beauty to your space or wear a piece of the tradition, there’s something for every fan to enjoy.