Urashima Tarou (Louver Velvet)

The Urashima Tarō Playing Cards are a tribute to the poignant and mysterious Japanese fairy tale of Urashima Tarō, a fisherman whose journey to the underwater Dragon Palace (Ryūgū-jō) blurs the line between time, youth, and mortality. In the story, Urashima rescues a sea turtle and is rewarded with a visit to the magical palace, where he is entertained by Princess Otohime. Days pass in bliss, but when he returns to his village, he is shocked to find that over 100 years have passed in what felt like mere moments. The final twist comes when he opens the tamatebako (jewelled box) gifted by the princess. The box, which he was warned never to open, releases a mysterious cloud that instantly transforms him into an old man, symbolizing the inevitability of time and the consequences of human curiosity. This profound transformation from youth to old age is captured in the Louver Tuck Box, a centerpiece of the deck. As you trigger the mechanism, Urashima Tarou's image changes, first revealing him as a vibrant young man full of life and potential, then transforming him into a frail, aged figure. This duality reflects the fleeting nature of time, reminding us of life's impermanence and the delicate balance between dreams and reality. The Card back design further immerses players in this narrative through an Animation deck. As the deck is flipped, the animation depicts the moment Urashima opens the tamatebako, visually unfolding his transformation from a carefree youth into an aged man. This dynamic feature brings the legend to life with each shuffle, turning a simple deck of cards into a storytelling experience that resonates with the themes of time, consequence, and the allure of the unknown. Through these unique design elements, the Urashima Tarou Playing Cards invite players to explore the tale’s deeper meanings, offering a visually stunning reminder of the passage of time and the beauty hidden within every moment of life.