Events

Time and Location

January 28 – February 1
Arlington, VA and Washington, D.C.

About

Competitive Karuta — Japan’s last hidden cultural gem comes to DC! Experience a thrilling mind sport where classical poetry, memory, speed, and reflexes come together. Legendary karuta player Keitaro Kumehara, 8th Dan, winner of 51 A-class national championships, Meijin from 2019 to 2021, and currently ranked #1 in competitive karuta, will visit the United States. He is like the Shohei Ohtani of the competitive karuta world. He will showcase his incredible speed and masterful techniques in a live demonstration. Don’t miss this first-ever Meijin performance in the United States!

Schedule

Wednesday, January 28
12:00–1:00 p.m. — Presentation for SJA members @ Arlington Central Library
1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22201

Thursday, January 29
6:00–7:30 p.m. — Presentation for Japan-America Society members 
1819 L St NW #800, Washington, DC 20036

Friday, January 30-31
Practice @ Washington D.C. Inishie Karuta Club practice venue

Sunday, February 1
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Karuta presentation at the Embassy of Japan in the U.S.
2520 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
12:00 p.m.– — 1st U.S. Open Karuta Tournament

Please see the details about the tournament here.

Registrations:

The presentations on January 28 (SJA) and January 29 (Japan-America Society) are intended for members of those organizations. Please direct any inquiries to the respective organizations.

Practice sessions on Jan. 30 and 31, 2026
URL: https://forms.gle/Pdh8mVqi3hvs8enJ8

Feb. 1st Karuta Festival＆US Open Tournament on Feb. 1st.
URL: https://forms.gle/G3vZXWRFrfS8LjsP7

This event is supported through the JFNY Grant for Arts and Culture.