Jōmō Karuta is a traditional regional karuta card game created in Gunma Prefecture in 1947. The set consists of 44 cards, with each reading card introducing an aspect of Gunma, including its natural scenery, history, culture, famous people, industries, and local specialties. The name “Jōmō” comes from an old name for the region now known as Gunma.
Jōmō Karuta was created not simply as a game, but as an educational cultural tradition designed to teach children about their hometown. It remains deeply rooted in everyday life in Gunma, and many people who grew up in the prefecture can recite most or all of the reading cards from memory.
Jōmō Karuta continues to be enjoyed at schools and in local communities throughout Gunma. An annual Jōmō Karuta competition is also held, making the game an important symbol of local education and regional identity.
The cards feature famous destinations such as Kusatsu Onsen, Oze, Mount Myōgi, and Tomioka Silk Mill, as well as notable figures including Joseph Hardy Neesima, Seki Takakazu, and Kanzo Uchimura. By playing the game, children can naturally learn about the places, people, and culture that make Gunma unique.
This card refers to the dramatic lava landscape of Onioshidashi Park, created by an eruption of Mount Asama. Located in Tsumagoi Village, the area is known for its striking volcanic scenery and offers visitors an impressive view of the power of nature.
Ikaho Onsen in Shibukawa City has been enjoyed for centuries. Its historic stone stairway, lined with traditional inns and shops, creates a distinctive atmosphere and makes the hot spring town one of Gunma’s best-known destinations.
Usui Pass was once an important transportation point along the historic Nakasendō highway. The former pass and the remains of the Usui Barrier Station offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s history as an important route through the mountains.
Shōrinzan Darumaji Temple in Takasaki is regarded as the birthplace of the famous Takasaki Daruma, a traditional Japanese good-luck doll. The temple is especially lively during its annual Daruma Market, which attracts many visitors.
Daitōin Temple on Mount Kanayama in Ōta is associated with the Buddhist monk Donryū Shōnin, who is revered as a guardian of children. The historic temple grounds are also a popular sightseeing destination.
Takasaki has long flourished as an important transportation hub. Today, its concentration of Shinkansen and conventional railway lines makes it one of Gunma’s main gateways and a convenient base for exploring the prefecture.
Kiryu has developed as a center of textile production since ancient times. Kiryu textiles represent an important part of Japanese weaving culture, and historic buildings and textile-related facilities can still be found throughout the city.
Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan’s best-known hot spring resorts and is famous for its strongly acidic spring water. The Yubatake hot spring source and traditional yumomi water-stirring performances are among its major attractions.
Maebashi, the capital of Gunma Prefecture, once prospered as a major center of raw silk production. Historic buildings and sites connected with the development of modern industry can still be found around the city.
Kanzo Uchimura, born in Gunma, was a prominent thinker and Christian evangelist who had a significant influence on Japan’s intellectual and spiritual culture. His ideas continue to be studied and discussed today.
Sakurayama Park in Fujioka is famous for its winter cherry blossoms, which bloom from autumn into winter. Together with the area’s distinctive Sanbaishi stone formations, the site is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument.
Futagoyama Kofun in Maebashi is an important ancient burial mound that preserves evidence of the history of the former Keno region. It provides an opportunity to learn about the culture of ancient Gunma.
Mount Akagi is one of Gunma’s representative mountains and is known for its broad, gently spreading foothills. Visitors can enjoy hiking, scenic drives, and leisure activities around the mountain’s lakes.
Oze is one of Japan’s most famous high-altitude wetlands. Beautiful alpine plants, including skunk cabbage, create spectacular seasonal scenery, making the area popular for hiking and nature observation.
Yagibushi is one of Gunma’s best-known folk traditions. It is performed at festivals, particularly in areas such as Kiryu, where people dance together to the lively music as part of the region’s traditional culture.
Fukiware Falls in Numata is a spectacular waterfall sometimes called the “Niagara Falls of the East.” The waterfall and surrounding gorge form one of the area’s best-known natural attractions.
This card expresses the wish for the people of Gunma to work together and build a better future for their home prefecture. It symbolizes the importance of cooperation and community spirit.
Gunma’s distinctive shape resembles a crane spreading its wings, inspiring one of the most recognizable Jōmō Karuta cards. The image has become a familiar symbol of the prefecture.
Sugiki Mosajirō was a farmer and local hero of the Edo period who is remembered for risking his life to appeal for lower taxation on behalf of the people. His story has been passed down as an example of devotion to the community.
The Tone River is one of the largest rivers in the Kanto region and has supported the natural environment and people’s lives in Gunma for centuries. Numerous scenic areas can be found along its course.
Annaka retains rows of cedar trees along the historic Nakasendō highway. Walking through this landscape offers a sense of what traveling along the old highway may have been like.
Tomioka Silk Mill was Japan’s first full-scale modern mechanized silk-reeling factory. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Gunma’s most important industrial heritage attractions.
Tasuke Shiohara was a merchant from Numata who became successful through hard work. His story has become associated with perseverance and personal achievement.
Shimonita is famous for Shimonita negi green onions and konnyaku. These local specialties are important parts of Gunma’s food culture and are widely enjoyed throughout the prefecture.
Mount Haruna is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and leisure activities around Lake Haruna.
Tsutsujigaoka Park in Tatebayashi is one of Japan’s renowned azalea-viewing destinations. During the flowering season, the park is filled with colorful azalea blossoms.
The Takasaki Byakue Daikannon is a monumental Kannon statue standing approximately 40 meters tall. It is one of Takasaki’s most recognizable landmarks and an important sightseeing attraction in Gunma.
Morinji Temple in Tatebayashi is famous as the setting of the traditional Japanese folktale “Bunbuku Chagama,” about a magical raccoon dog and a tea kettle. Numerous tanuki statues can be seen around the temple.
Joseph Hardy Neesima, born in Annaka, was an educator who founded Doshisha University. He is remembered as one of the important figures in the development of modern education in Japan.
Tayama Katai, born in Tatebayashi, was a major Japanese writer associated with the naturalist literary movement. His work occupies an important place in the history of modern Japanese literature.
Gunma once ranked among Japan’s leading regions for sericulture and raw silk production. The industry played an important role in the development of Japan’s modern economy and supported the country’s international silk trade.
Mount Tanigawa in Minakami is nationally known as a destination for mountaineering and skiing. Its dramatic mountain scenery attracts outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.
Tago Stele in Takasaki is regarded as one of Japan’s Three Ancient Steles and is designated as a Special Historic Site. It is an important monument for understanding the history of ancient Japan.
Isesaki is known for meisen, a type of silk textile that became popular for its distinctive and colorful patterns. The city’s textile tradition remains an important part of its cultural heritage.
Mount Myōgi is famous for its dramatic rock formations and rugged scenery. In autumn, the contrast between the unusual mountain landscape and colorful foliage creates especially beautiful views.
Agatsuma Gorge is one of the outstanding scenic gorges in the Kanto region. Its cliffs, river, and seasonal foliage create changing landscapes throughout the year.
Nukisaki Shrine in Tomioka is a prestigious Shinto shrine with a long history. Its distinctive architecture and historic significance make it an important cultural destination in the area.
Shima Onsen has long been known as a hot spring associated with healing. Its peaceful atmosphere and traditional hot spring town make it a popular destination for visitors seeking a quiet retreat.
This card captures both Gunma’s distinctive climate and an aspect of its regional character. The prefecture is known for summer thunderstorms and strong, dry winter winds, while the phrase also evokes a spirit of warmth and human kindness.
Gunma has numerous hydroelectric power stations, and water resources have long contributed to the supply of electricity to the Kanto region.
Near the Shimizu Tunnel on the Jōetsu Line is a railway loop built to overcome the difficult mountain terrain. It represents an impressive example of Japanese railway engineering.
Nitta Yoshisada was a warrior who played an important role in the overthrow of the Kamakura shogunate. Numerous places associated with him remain in and around Ōta City.
Denjirō Funatsu contributed to the development of modern agriculture and is remembered as an important figure in the agricultural history of Gunma.
Seki Takakazu was one of the most important mathematicians in Japanese history. During the Edo period, he made major contributions to the development of wasan, traditional Japanese mathematics.
The 44 cards of Jōmō Karuta introduce an exceptionally broad range of Gunma’s natural landscapes, historic sites, cultural traditions, famous people, and local specialties. In this sense, the game is an important cultural tradition that preserves and communicates the character of the prefecture.
For travelers, the cards can also serve as a kind of guide to exploring Gunma. Visiting the places featured on the cards provides an opportunity to connect the words and images of the game with the actual landscapes, buildings, traditions, and people of the region.
A journey based on Jōmō Karuta can be organized around different themes. History enthusiasts can visit destinations such as Tomioka Silk Mill and Nukisaki Shrine, while hot spring lovers can explore Kusatsu Onsen, Ikaho Onsen, and Shima Onsen. Travelers seeking nature can visit Mount Akagi, Mount Myōgi, Mount Tanigawa, and Oze.
Jōmō Karuta competitions and related events are also held in Gunma, offering opportunities to experience local culture alongside sightseeing. By visiting the places featured on the cards, travelers can gain a deeper understanding of the stories and history behind each one.
Jōmō Karuta was created during the difficult years immediately following World War II. After returning to Gunma from Manchuria, Gunma-born educator Masahiko Urano became involved in supporting people affected by the war.
In postwar Japan, directives issued by the Allied occupation authorities led to restrictions on the teaching of geography and history in schools. As a result, children had fewer opportunities to learn about their local communities and heritage.
Urano had a strong attachment to his hometown and wanted to find a way to teach children about the history and culture of Gunma. In 1946, at a gathering for repatriates held in Maebashi, he met Seiki Suda, a Christian evangelist from Annaka. Their meeting led to the idea of using a karuta game to introduce Gunma’s attractions and heritage.
The concept was announced in the Jōmō Shimbun newspaper the following year. An editorial committee of 18 local historians, cultural figures, and others selected the 44 verses.
In December 1947, the Gunma Cultural Association released the first edition, consisting of 12,000 sets. Jōmō Karuta was born as a new way to pass local knowledge and pride from one generation to the next.
The first Jōmō Karuta competition was held in 1948. Today, qualifying competitions are held in communities throughout Gunma, followed by the prefectural championship in February.
For many children in Gunma, practicing Jōmō Karuta during the winter is a familiar part of growing up. Schools and local children’s groups also hold practice sessions and competitions, helping the verses become part of everyday regional culture.
More than 2,000 regional karuta games have reportedly been created in Japan over the years, but only a small number continue to hold regular competitions. Jōmō Karuta is recognized as one of the country’s particularly successful examples of a regional karuta tradition.
Jōmō Karuta has developed its own distinctive competitive rules. A reader recites the verses, while players race to find and take the corresponding illustrated card. All 44 cards are used, and the player who collects the greater number of cards wins.
One particularly important card is “Tsu: Gunma Prefecture in the Shape of a Dancing Crane.” In the event of a tie, the player holding this card wins. As a result, the card is especially valuable and often becomes the focus of an intense contest.
In recent years, facilities dedicated to introducing the appeal of Jōmō Karuta have also appeared. One example is the Karuta Museum, which opened in 2022 along National Route 145 in Higashiagatsuma Town, Agatsuma District, Gunma Prefecture.
The museum was created by renovating a former drive-in facility. Inside, large panels introduce the history of Jōmō Karuta and explain all 44 cards. Admission is free, making it an easy stop for visitors interested in Gunma’s local culture.
Large Jōmō Karuta card displays can also be found around the parking area, providing fun photo opportunities and a visual introduction to this unique Gunma tradition.
Jōmō Karuta is far more than a children’s card game. The 44 cards bring together the natural scenery, hot springs, historic sites, famous people, traditional industries, and local specialties that have shaped Gunma.
For travelers, the game can be viewed as a cultural guidebook to the prefecture. Following the cards can lead to mountain landscapes, historic temples and shrines, traditional crafts, famous hot springs, and important industrial heritage sites.
When visiting Gunma, take a moment to look for the places featured in Jōmō Karuta. Following these 44 clues can add another layer of discovery to a journey through the prefecture and provide a fascinating introduction to the history and culture of Gunma.