Tarot Cards Featuring Japanese Herbs | DESIGN

DESIGN | The Fusion of Tanpopo Asaha's "Japanese Herbs" and Tarot

Discover the Richness of the Japanese Spirit Through the Stories of Familiar Plants

Introducing "Japanese Herb Tarot," featuring Japanese herbs illustrated on tarot cards. Illustrated by Kaori Hirao, this unique item can be used not just as tarot cards but also as a Japanese herb guide.

Text by Kosaku Waseda (OPENERS)

Illustrations by Kaori Hirao

"Japanese herbs" refer to useful plants that have grown wild in Japan since before the Edo period and have aided the lives of Japanese people. They are plants that have existed close to us, nurturing our well-being, beauty, and sensibilities.

Now, the "Japanese Herb Tarot" featuring illustrations of these herbs has arrived. Based on the structure of the 22 Major Arcana cards of the Rider-Waite deck, this unique item pairs two Japanese herbs with their meanings on each card.

The illustrations were created by Kaori Hirao, a renowned illustrator known for her work on the Japanese editions of the global bestseller "The Alchemist," as well as for books and advertisements. This item's charm lies in her gentle and captivating artwork, combined with the "stories and messages that resonate with the Japanese heart" written by author Tanpopo Asaha.

The "story of the Japanese Herb Tarot," which adds Japanese herbs to the original meanings of the Rider-Waite tarot, is written in text for each card and also expressed through the illustrations.

The "story of the Japanese Herb Tarot," which adds Japanese herbs to the original meanings of the Rider-Waite tarot, is written in text for each card and also expressed through the illustrations. The cards are designed so that even those unfamiliar with divination procedures can easily gain insights or hints for problem-solving from a single card, guiding them toward self-reflection.

Additionally, the accompanying booklet explains the card meanings, their stories, and messages from the Japanese herbs, along with details on the scientific name, alternative names, medicinal properties, and history of the 44 featured herbs, making it a convenient Japanese herb guide.

Regarding the "Japanese Herb Tarot," author Tanpopo Asaha stated, "Through the Japanese Herb Tarot, I hope to bring joy, richness to daily life, and above all, 'hope.' The encounter with Japanese herbs, coupled with my desire as a diviner to always find and convey hope, became the catalyst for the creation of the Japanese Herb Tarot."

Tanpopo Asaha
Representative Director of Mori to Kami Hikouki Inc. / Director of Hakone no Mori Consortium Japan / Advisor for Web Operations at Japan Cloud Capital Inc.
Born in Tokyo in 1972. After 10 years involved in web service planning at a web service company, she studied divination and appeared at fortune-telling venues. Her interest in herbs grew from her study of Western astrology, leading her to learn about herbs. Focusing on the theme of "enjoying life and living with a rich heart," she researches and practices three forms of healing: divination, herbs, and forests.
Japanese Herb Coordinator / Diviner (Western Astrology, Tarot) / Herbal Therapist / Forest Therapist / Industrial Counselor

Kaori Hirao
Born in Kobe. Graduated from Saga College of Arts and Crafts. After working at an advertising production company and as a part-time lecturer at Saga College of Arts and Crafts, she became a freelance illustrator. She currently operates her studio in Koyama, Zushi, Shonan, and is active in illustrating for books, magazines, product planning, and advertisements with a style inspired by travel and nature. She also has numerous essay series and solo exhibitions. She illustrated the Japanese editions of Paulo Coelho's books, including the global bestseller "The Alchemist."
https://www.instagram.com/kaohirao_illustration
https://www.facebook.com/Kao.0408.hirao/
https://www.kao-Hirao.com

Japanese Herb Tarot
Author | Tanpopo Asaha
Publisher | Mori to Kami Hikouki Inc.
Supervision | Japan Japanese Herb Association http://wa-herb.com
Pages | 50 pages
Number of cards | 22 Major Arcana
Size | (Cards) W7 x L13 cm, (Box) W8.6 x L14.7 x H 1.8 cm
Price | 3000 yen (excluding tax)

Inquiries

Japanese Herb Tarot Official Website

http://waherb-tarot.jp