Akiko Ichikawa
Expertise
New York/Tokyo based fashion journalist & consultant. Writes for the Japanese editions of Vogue and Elle Décor.
Location
New York City, US
Why did you curate the Japanese Card Game?
"There are so many computer games these days. However, it's nice to play classic card games like these, face-to-face with your close friends or family." Read MoreTHE STORY
Playing cards, those standbys of long-haul flights, don’t generally give us an aesthetic lift. But these Rocca cards, which won this year’s Silver Award from the New York Art Directors Club, are not just beautiful, they have a back-story that will warm your heart.
In 1995, while visiting Venice, a young Japanese man named Trulie Okamocek met Alex Randolph, a famous game designer. They became good friends, and upon Randolph's death in 2004, Okamocek was inspired to create his own game in homage to his friend.
Rocca (from the Japanese word for hexagon), is made up of six-sided cards that can be used to play either traditional games like gin rummy and poker, or the game Okamocek devised, the objective of which is to be the first player with no cards. You can also just use the cards to make two-dimensional geometric patterns, which we’ve found to be a remarkably soothing pastime.
Playing cards, those standbys of long-haul flights, don’t generally give us an aesthetic lift. But these Rocca cards, which won this year’s Silver Award from the New York Art Directors Club, are not just beautiful, they have a back-story that will warm your heart.
In 1995, while visiting Venice, a young Japanese man named Trulie Okamocek met Alex Randolph, a famous game designer. They became good friends, and upon Randolph's death in 2004, Okamocek was inspired to create his own game in homage to his friend.
Rocca (from the Japanese word for hexagon), is made up of six-sided cards that can be used to play either traditional games like gin rummy and poker, or the game Okamocek devised, the objective of which is to be the first player with no cards. You can also just use the cards to make two-dimensional geometric patterns, which we’ve found to be a remarkably soothing pastime.
We’re selling three versions of Rocca: the original Rocca, which features graphic black and white cards; Rocca Card Blocks, which has cards resplendent in bright primary-colors, and Rocca Book, which consists of cards that look like tiny leatherbound books.
All in all, quite a refreshing change from playing games on our iPhone.
THE NUTSHELL
- Rocca, Rocca Card Blocks and Rocca Book hexagonal playing cards
- Rules included with each pack of cards
- Inspired by famed game designer Alex Randolph
THE DETAILS
Estimated Arrival:
14-18 business days
Return policy: We are unable to accept returns of this item.
