Photo/Illutration Women dressed in traditional attire from the Heian Period (794-1185) take part in the first "karuta" game of the New Year at Kyoto's Yasakajinja shrine on Jan. 3. (Kenta Sujino)

KYOTO--A New Year’s ceremonial event highlighted by a card-snatching game was held for the first time in three years at Yasakajinja shrine here on Jan. 3.

Dressed in the traditional costume of the Heian Period (794-1185), eight women took part in the first “karuta” card game of the New Year.

While the first half of a Hyakunin-isshu “waka” poem was being read aloud, the women tried to be the first to grab cards based on words to the second half of the poem.

The event takes place at Yasakajinja shrine because it enshrines Susanoo no Mikoto, who wrote the first waka poem, according to Japanese mythology.

The novel coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the event for the past two years.

This year’s event was held on a Noh stage on shrine grounds as New Year worshippers visited the shrine.

The women between 18 and 29 belonging to the Kinki branch of the All Japan Karuta Association paired off for the competition.

Haruka Goto, 20, said, “It was difficult to snatch a card in a graceful manner, but I was able to take part without feeling too much pressure.”

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