Okinawa Playing Cards
Ryūkyū Kingdom culture meets the international pattern.
A charming Bicycle deck showcasing Okinawan culture. The international pattern courts are dressed in Ryūsō – colourful traditional clothing from the Ryūkyū Kingdom. This extends to the courts’ accessories: the Jack of Spades holds a fan, while the Jack of Diamonds has a book with what appears to be Japanese writing. The suit colours are yellow for hearts and diamonds and magenta for spades and clubs.
There’s a lot of attention to detail: for example, the Statue of Freedom on the Bicycle Ace of Spades and the cherubs on the card backs have been replaced by Okinawan figures. There are three jokers – two feature shīsā (Okinawan guardian lions) while the third is a standard Bicycle joker.
Okinawa Playing Cards produced by the United States Playing Card Co, USA.
By Lev Golinkin
United States • Member since May 26, 2026
I'm a US-based author and journalist. I've been collecting playing cards since I was about 8 years old, when I got mesmerized by the various decks that were used in Soviet Ukraine, where I'm from. I collect mainly European decks such as those by Dondorf, Grimaud, and Piatnik. I love courts above all else, and am drawn toward historical and artistic decks.
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