Minidoka Hanafuda Cards

The origin of Hanafuda cards were from the banning of popular Western and Portuguese playing cards in 1633. In order to work around government bans, a card game was established with consistent imagery to avoid the usage of numbers but allow for the establishment of consistent playing rules. The original imagery were decorated with plans and animals that were symbolic and popular during the Edo Period- resulting in their representation throughout pottery and textiles during this era.

The Minidoka Hanafuda cards were designed with the idea of encompassing the imagery and symbolism throughout the daily lives in the Concentration Camps- specifically Minidoka. Rather than featuring floral imagery and brightly colored animals- the cards feature structures, foliage, and animals seen around Hunt, Idaho.

Currently five cards, which would make up the “Brights” set in Koi-Koi Hanafuda rules, are featured in a sticker pack.

The future goal is to find funding and opportunities to develop a full playing set to sell at the Minidoka Pilgrimage to support scholarship funds.

Featured

January (Pine) - Crane and Sun

This adaption features the hand-carved bird pin and the chimney to the administration waiting area of Minidoka.

March (Cherry BLossom) - Camp Curtain

As there were no cherry blossoms at Minidoka, this card was adapted to feature a barrack window. Camp Curtain is the original name of the March Special Card and as many people used their linens and clothing as curtains in the barracks, the design had clothing covering the image of the original curtains.

November (Willow) - Rainman

As there were no Willows in Minidoka, the Willow was replaced with the barracks. The original Rainman featured a man walking by a creek. The design of this card featured Rainman standing in water, as the camps were known to flood during heavy rains.

December (Paulownia) - Chinese Phoenix

The paulownia for December is replaced by the Honor Roll at the entrance of Minidoka. The Chinese Phoenix is replaced by the American Bald Eagle proudly sitting atop the Honor Roll. The intent for the rest of the December Set will feature the entire Honor Roll.

August (Susuki) - Normal

The original Susuki Grass set features two normals. To add variety, two susuki normals were created featuring one guard tower with and without the barbed wire fencing. This is also symbolic as Minidoka originally did not have a fence surrounding the premises.

Susuki Guard Tower and Fence

August (Susuki)- Geese in Flight

The Susuki set is unique in which it has two special cards. This one is an adaption of the Geese in Flight- replacing the Geese with commonly seen Magpies flying over the Guard Tower.

August (Susuki)- Full Moon with Red Sky

The Susuki set is unique in which it has two special cards. This special card is the Full Moon with Red Sky. This design doesn’t vary much from the original but incorporates a silhouette of the guard tower.