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Tanuki Yukaku Playing Cards

  • Apr 19, 2025
  • 2 min read

Tanuki Yukaku. A tale of charm, trickery, and tradition, told through the eyes of a dancing tanuki courtesan.

For card enthusiasts and collectors, the Tanuki Yūkaku Playing Cards by Bloom, featured on Kickstarter, offer a captivating blend of Japanese folklore, art, and intricate design. These cards draw inspiration from the whimsical yet haunting tales of tanuki (shape-shifting creatures) and the opulent Yūkaku (pleasure districts) of the Edo period, creating a unique and immersive experience.


Project Overview

  • Name and Creator: Tanuki Yūkaku Playing Cards by Bloom

  • What It Is: A set of uniquely designed playing cards inspired by Japanese folklore and the Edo period.


Key Features

  • Three Editions: The project offers three distinct editions, each with unique features:

    • Yukaku Tales Edition: Features a panoramic puzzle across the number cards and cold foil enhancements.

    • Oiran-Dochu Edition: Number cards form a scroll-like puzzle (makimono).

    • Hanafuda Edition: Offers a 4-in-1 puzzle and includes rules for the traditional Japanese game Koi-Koi.

  • Intricate Artwork: Each card is richly illustrated, blending fantasy with the cultural textures of the Edo period.

  • Hidden Storytelling: The cards weave a narrative of charm and trickery, inviting you to step into the world of the tanuki.

  • High-Quality Materials: Durable and elastic cards made from recyclable paper.

  • Special Tuck Boxes: Light Up Yukaku Box: Features a window that reveals a glowing ryotei. Ume Matsuri Box: Opens from both sides like sliding doors.

  • Collector's Items: Includes a collector's card (Ace of Hearts) as part of the Room One Collection System.


Rewards

  • Starts at about $13 and there are various sets


The Idea

  • Concept: To create playing cards that are not only functional but also works of art, blending Japanese folklore with intricate design and hidden storytelling.

  • Inspiration: Inspired by the desire to capture the captivating essence of Japanese culture, drawing from tales of mischievous tanuki and the alluring world of the Yūkaku.





 
 
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