Ukiyo Romance Tarot

Ukiyo Romance Tarot - Rider-Waite in Japanese woodblock style

The familiar tarot structure stays intact, but the imagery is fully translated into Ukiyo-e, the Japanese woodblock art that flourished from the 17th to the 19th century. This makes the deck recognisable yet visually distinct from most Rider-Waite variants.

The deck contains 78 cards. The Major Arcana and Minor Arcana follow the classic order. The four suits are wands, cups, swords and coins, as you would expect. What differs is how they look.

What you see on the cards

The court cards are drawn as Japanese figures. Samurai take the role of kings and knights, geisha appear as queens. The symbolism stays true to RWS, but the clothing, postures and backgrounds are aligned with the Ukiyo-e tradition.

The colours are vivid and the lines sharp, as you see in traditional woodblock prints. Details such as kimono patterns, fans, bamboo and cherry blossoms fill the backgrounds. The cards are printed on sturdy cardstock with a matte finish, which makes them pleasant to shuffle.

The format is 70 x 120 mm, standard tarot size. The guidebook is in English and gives a concise explanation of the basic meanings for each card.

Who this deck works for

This deck is designed for readers who already know the Rider-Waite structure and are looking for a visual variant. The symbolism is recognisable, so you do not need to relearn the meanings. The imagery does take some getting used to if you are accustomed to Western iconography.

Beginners can use this deck, provided they already understand the RWS basics or are willing to learn them through the guidebook. The cards do not carry keywords, so you need to know the meanings by heart or look them up.

When reading, pay attention to the details in clothing and background. A kimono with floral motifs or an umbrella in the rain often adds a subtle layer to the standard meaning of the card.

About the publisher

Ukiyo Romance Tarot is published by NIJIYA, a Japanese publisher focused on spiritual products with a Japanese aesthetic. They release tarot and oracle decks that combine local art and cultural traditions with Western card systems.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Format: 70 x 120 mm
• Finish: Matte cardstock
• Weight: 400 g
• Language: English
• Publisher: NIJIYA
• ISBN: 9784991222139

Questions we often get

Do I need to read Japanese to use this deck?
No. The cards are universally readable and the guidebook is in English. You do not need knowledge of the Japanese language or culture, though it does help to appreciate the symbolism in the backgrounds.

Does the meaning of the cards differ from the classic Rider-Waite deck?
No. The basic meanings are the same. What differs is the visual translation. The symbolism is adapted to Japanese imagery, but the essence of each card remains intact.