When did Japan ban cards?

When Did Japan Ban Cards?

Playing cards have a long and storied history in Japan, dating back to the 16th century when they were introduced by Portuguese traders. However, their popularity was not without controversy, and at various points in time, the Japanese government has taken steps to restrict or ban their use. In this article, we’ll explore the history of card games in Japan and answer the question: when did Japan ban cards?

Early History of Playing Cards in Japan

Playing cards were first introduced to Japan in the 16th century by Portuguese traders. Initially, they were used as a tool for teaching Christianity, but they quickly gained popularity among the Japanese nobility and upper classes. The early decks were likely based on the Portuguese tarot, and they were used to play a variety of games, including trick-taking games and card-based lotteries.

Ban on European-Style Playing Cards

In the 1630s, the Japanese government, led by the Tokugawa shogunate, began to restrict the use of European-style playing cards. The government was concerned that these cards were being used for gambling and other immoral activities, and they saw them as a threat to the traditional Japanese social order.

In 1633, the government issued an edict banning the production and use of European-style playing cards. This ban was strictly enforced, and any violators were punished severely. The ban was in place for over 200 years, during which time traditional Japanese card games, such as hanafuda and karuta, became more popular.

Hanafuda and Karuta: Traditional Japanese Card Games

During the ban on European-style playing cards, Japanese card makers developed two new types of cards: hanafuda and karuta. Hanafuda, which translates to "flower cards," was a type of card game that was popular among the Japanese aristocracy. It was played with a deck of 48 cards, each featuring a different flower or season.

Karuta, on the other hand, was a type of card game that was popular among the lower classes. It was played with a deck of 108 cards, each featuring a different character or phrase from Japanese literature.

Relaxation of the Ban

In the late 19th century, the Japanese government began to relax its ban on European-style playing cards. In 1872, the government officially lifted the ban, and European-style playing cards became popular once again in Japan.

Modern-Day Card Games in Japan

Today, playing cards are a popular form of entertainment in Japan. In addition to traditional games like hanafuda and karuta, modern card games like poker and blackjack are also popular.

Restrictions on Card Games

While playing cards are no longer banned in Japan, there are still some restrictions on their use. For example, some card games, such as poker and blackjack, are only allowed to be played in licensed casinos. Additionally, there are some restrictions on the use of cards in online gaming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the history of playing cards in Japan is a complex and fascinating one. From the introduction of European-style playing cards in the 16th century to the ban on their use in the 17th century, and finally to their relaxation in the late 19th century, cards have played an important role in Japanese culture and entertainment. Today, playing cards remain a popular form of entertainment in Japan, with a variety of traditional and modern games to choose from.

Table: Timeline of the Ban on Playing Cards in Japan

Bullets:

• The ban on European-style playing cards was issued in 1633
• The ban was lifted in 1872
• Playing cards are no longer banned in Japan, but some restrictions still apply
• Traditional Japanese card games like hanafuda and karuta are still popular today
• Modern card games like poker and blackjack are also popular in Japan

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