Check Out the Mesmerising Tanuki Yukaku Playing Cards

Tanuki Yukaku Playing Cards invites you into a mesmerizing world of charm, illusion, and tradition, brought to life through the lens of a mischievous tanuki courtesan. Following the acclaimed Hyakki Yagyō Playing Cards, the team at Bloom Playing Cards returns with this rich and imaginative new deck—marking the first in Season 2 of Room One’s Collection System.

Inspired by the whimsical tales of Japanese folklore, this project blends the fantastical nature of the shape-shifting tanuki with the opulent world of the Yūkaku—pleasure districts from Japan’s Edo period. The result is a lush, visual narrative that transforms each playing card into a piece of storytelling. 

Each deck is crafted with attention to detail and layered meaning. From the cold foil enhancements to hidden puzzles across the number cards, every element adds depth to the experience. The Yukaku Tales Edition forms a panoramic scene of lively tanuki characters. The Oiran-Dochu Edition mimics a traditional makimono scroll when arranged by suit. The Hanafuda Edition offers a 4-in-1 puzzle and even includes the traditional game Koi-Koi, complete with a guide for newcomers.

The Court Cards portray a cast of captivating characters—each a unique tanuki courtesan, filled with personality and styled with folkloric flair. The card backs in each edition are individually designed to reflect the mood and story of their respective themes, while pattern gilded edges give the decks a radiant finishing touch.

The tuck boxes are a showstopper, particularly the Light Up Yukaku Box, which features a window that reveals a glowing ryotei, blooming ume trees, and intricate craftsmanship. The Ume Matsuri Box further embodies Japanese elegance, opening from both sides like sliding doors at a spring festival.

Also, the Kickstarter campaign features a beautifully collector’s coin, inspired by historical Japanese currency—Koban and Oban—adding an extra layer of cultural authenticity and visual appeal. 

Pledge starts at $13 on Kickstarter.

Deck View: SVNGALI 01 Forbidden Playing Card

Snake. Fruit. Stylish

Released in 2019, the Forbidden Deck is the first deck in the SVNGALI series— created by Alex Pandrea and designer Edo Huang. SVNGALI blends high fashion with classic playing card design. 

The black tuck features an elegant red foil-stamped snake, giving the deck a refined, sophisticated edge. Inside, it’s a semi-custom experience with a unique card back, a custom Ace of Spades, redesigned number cards, and vintage-tinged court cards.

Printed by the United States Playing Card Co.

The Beatles Playing Cards Now in Black & White Colorway

Theory11's Beatles Playing Cards return in a new special edition featuring striking Black & White Edition, featuring breathtaking gold foil detailing on every card. 

Inspired by Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the tuck box boasts multi-level embossing and gold foil accents, creating a visually stunning tribute to The Beatles. The gold foil continues onto the backs of the playing cards, adding an extra layer of sophistication and collectibility.

Each card is fully customized, filled with hidden references and Easter eggs inspired by the band’s legendary discography. From Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds to Eleanor Rigby and Blackbird, every detail pays homage to The Beatles’ timeless music, making this deck a must-have for fans and collectors alike.

This limited-edition release brings a fresh, elegant aesthetic to the classic deck, celebrating one of the most iconic bands in history with a refined, collector-worthy design. 

Available now on Theory11 for $19.95 for the set.

Universal Basketball League (UBL) Playing Cards

The Universal Basketball League (UBL) Playing Cards bring the energy of basketball and the excitement of manga together in a dynamic, collectible deck. Inspired by the UBL manga series, which has been making waves in Hong Kong and online, this deck is a tribute to the fast-paced world of basketball, legendary NBA inspirations, and shōnen storytelling. 

Created by mangaka Beavis Yu, known for his work on Digimon Adventure, each card is meticulously illustrated to capture the spirit of the game and its characters.

These playing cards are produced in collaboration with Room One Cards. Every card tells a part of UBL’s story, centered around T-Bone, a former MVP of the league who returns after a career-halting injury, struggling to reclaim his place alongside rising star Brian and the rest of Team Buffalo. 

As the team faces new rivals like Team Hotwater, the deck’s illustrations showcase the challenges, rivalries, and intense emotions that make UBL a standout manga series.

The UBL Playing Cards are available in two editions:

• Special Edition: Featuring a hot-foiled and embossed tuck box with full-color illustrations of the main characters and their team logos, set against a stylized basketball court. This edition includes 54 fully customized playing cards, each designed to highlight the high-energy moments of UBL. It also features a unique animated flip-book effect on the card backs, bringing the game to life as you shuffle.
• Standard Edition: Showcasing a monochrome manga-style tuck box with striking black-and-white artwork of the main characters and team logos. The playing cards feature dynamic manga panels that capture iconic UBL moments, alongside custom pips inspired by sports jerseys.

From the court cards, which spotlight key players like T-Bone, Brian, and Finn, to the number cards, designed with bold manga-inspired visuals, every element in this deck reflects the world of UBL. Whether you're a collector, basketball fan, or manga enthusiast, these playing cards offer a one-of-a-kind blend of art, sport, and storytelling.

This release coincides with the upcoming "Phantom of the Game" story arc in early 2025, marking the next big chapter in UBL’s journey. In addition to the playing cards, add-on purchases include plushies and a special edition "I’m Back" UBL basketball in black and white.

Pledge starts at $15 on Kickstarter.