Hyakunin Isshu is a classic Japanese anthology of 100 poems, each written by a different poet. Compiled in the 13th century by Fujiwara no Teika, it features traditional waka poetry, which consists of 31 syllables arranged in a 5-7-5-7-7 pattern. The collection showcases the beauty of Japanese literature and culture, highlighting themes of love, nature, and the passage of time. The poems in Hyakunin Isshu are often used in a popular card game called karuta, where players match poems to their corresponding authors. This game not only promotes the appreciation of poetry but also serves as a fun way to engage with Japan's rich literary heritage.