Hanafuda, a game of flowers and symbols

Diane Georges & Co awaits you for a fascinating lecture on the history of hanafuda.

From the arrival of Portuguese sailors in Japan to its export beyond its borders thanks to Nintendo, hanafuda is an important part of Japanese culture and has even permeated pop culture. Celebrating the beauty of nature, these “flower cards” are used to play famous games such as Japanese koi-koi, Korean godori and Hawaiian sakura. More than just flowers and trees, these cards pay homage to tales, migration periods and festivals throughout the year. In this lecture, you’ll delve into the fascinating history of these long-banned cards, discover the symbols hidden in the designs and the impact of this game on parts of modern Japanese pop culture.

Kitsune on Sunday 16 February from 14:30 to 15:30