Before Video Games | Hanafuda by Nintendo
ART > JAPANESE DESIGN CLUB > HANAFUDA
Before Video Games: Hanafuda by Nintendo
Long before Mario and Zelda, Nintendo's first product was a traditional Japanese card game called Hanafuda, literally "flower cards." Founded in 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Nintendo began as a handmade Hanafuda manufacturer, catering to the popular pastime of the time. These cards were often used for gambling and were even associated with the Yakuza.
A standard Hanafuda deck consists of 48 cards divided into 12 suits, each representing a month of the year and adorned with seasonal floral motifs. The objective of games like Koi-Koi is to form specific combinations of cards to score points.
In my childhood, I had a set of these cards. While I can't recall the rules, I remember being captivated by the intricate artwork. I would often lay out the cards, admiring the detailed illustrations, and imagining the stories behind each design. It's a nostalgic memory that continues to influence my appreciation for Japanese design.
Today, Nintendo continues to honor its roots by producing modern Hanafuda decks, including themed sets featuring characters from the Super Mario and Donkey Kong series.
Originally published in 2018, updated in 2025