Iroha Uta Quiz App – Discover the Second Half of Classic Phrases
This engaging quiz app challenges players to match the correct "second half" phrase to the "first half" of traditional lines from the classic Iroha Uta (The Iroha Song). Immerse yourself in a unique blend of language and culture with this interactive experience based on one of Japan’s most famous poetic expressions.
About Iroha Karuta
Iroha Karuta is a traditional card game based on the Iroha Uta, an ancient Japanese poem that uses all 47 characters of the hiragana syllabary exactly once—excluding the character “ん” (n). The poem is known for its elegant structure and deep philosophical meaning:
"Iroha ni hana sorezu, chiri mo wagami no oyo goto to sezu, teshi karan soru"
(While superficially enjoying the fragrance of blossoms, we are not intoxicated by fleeting pleasures; transcending worldly attachments, we live without regret.)
Each line of the poem serves as the basis for the karuta cards. Historically, this version was developed in Kyoto during the Edo period and gradually spread across Japan to Osaka, Nagoya, and Edo (modern-day Tokyo), evolving into regional variations. This quiz app features the Tokyo-style version of the phrases.
How to Play
You will be presented with the first half of an Iroha Uta phrase. Your task is to choose the correct second half from three possible options.
After each selection, you'll receive immediate feedback indicating whether your answer was correct or incorrect. Additionally, detailed explanations of each full phrase are provided to enhance learning and deepen your understanding of the cultural and linguistic significance behind each line.
What's New in Version 1.0.6
Updated on August 6, 2024 — Minor corrections and improvements have been made to ensure a smoother user experience and more accurate content delivery.
