The Hidden History of Japanese Playing Cards: A Deadly Past, Forbidden Struggles & Nintendo’s Ri

Play-In Games delivers the most complete and exciting look at the deadly past of Japanese playing cards. From the first forbidden decks smuggled in by Portuguese traders, to the many secret card types that came and went under the radar, this episode covers it all. Explore how these cards survived government bans, fueled underground gambling, and evolved into stunning Hanafuda decks, before leading to the rise of Nintendo.

This is not just a story of cards—it’s a tale of dangerous rebellion, forbidden games, and the cultural journey that made Nintendo a global powerhouse. If you think you know the history, think again—this is the most thorough exploration of how playing cards shaped Japan’s gaming culture and laid the foundation for Nintendo’s legacy.

Did you find a typo, misleading image or other mistake? Congratulations you found an intentional Easter Egg. See if you can find them all. This video has 128 of them!

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By Christopher Cannucciari
www.cannucciari.com
www.dynmcrange.com

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