Shigureden (Autumn Shower Palace) is a private museum maintained by a company of the same name, founded this January. Money from card game lovers, including Nintendo's head honcho Hiroshi Yamauchi was used for funding.

"Hyakunin Isshu" is a poetry card game with 100 poems. Players search the poem cards and try to take it asap before their opponents. For the Japanese, having the ability to memorize all the poems means one has a good sense of beauty. At the museum, the cards will be displayed on the floor, and apparently, the game can be played with a customized DS.

Folks are speculating whether this is a warm-up for young Nintendo engineers or simply giving back to the Kyoto community. Then again, it could be Yamauchi indulging in a personal hobby. Whatever the reason is, the building is in harmony with the splendor of traditional architecture, rock gardens and technology. A work of beauty.

Shigureden [Official Site] Thanks, Higon!

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