Playing cards, Japanese-style
Here’s an intriguing idea to get you up to speed on your Hiragana and Katakana. Has anyone tried it? I’d like to know what you think.
Kana Match Card Game, www.kanamatch.com
Jim Story, the creator, says, “Having had to memorize the Kana myself while studying Japanese, I know what a difficult and boring, yet essential, task it can be. But everyone likes playing a game. I thought, ‘How can I turn this dull and difficult task into a fun game, so that people can learn the Hiragana and Katakana while having fun?’
‘So I invented the Kana Match card game, a fun and easy way to learn Hiragana and Katakana. I played it with kids and they liked it, too! I hope you or your children or students find it both fun and educational.”
The 46 basic Kana are covered, and the cards are available in 3 versions: (1) Hiragana and Romaji, (2) Katakana and Romaji, and (3) Hiragana and Katakana. There is also a Solitaire version for the serious student–a great way to both learn and test yourself.
Yellow cards are Hiragana on one side and corresponding Katakana on the other. Green cards have Romaji on one side and the corresponding Katakana on the other. The cards are designed to be played as a game–when two people sit across from each other, each can see the character or letters.
