Hatsuzakura (初櫻, First Cherry Blossom) was one of Nintendo’s budget brands of hanafuda decks.
It was once the 14th highest-ranking brand in Nintendo’s hanafuda lineup, behind Tokiwa and followed by Hyaku-en.
By 1958, it became the 2nd lowest-priced hanafuda brand, alongside Miyako No Hana.
It is known to be used from the 1920’s through the late 1950’s before being discontinued.
¶ Gallery
| Label | Description |
|---|---|
|
Wrapper label probably from 1930’s or early 1940’s. Depicted in a late Taisho Nintendo Brands and Chihofuda Poster. |
 |
Wrapper label probably from 1930’s or early 1940’s. Depicted in an early showa Nintendo Brands and Chihofuda Poster. There are characters around the Marufuku logo stating that it’s a registered trademark. |
 |
Wrapper label from a 1941-1944 deck. Less detailed, and the cherry blossom petals are solid gold colored instead of being just gold outlines. |
 |
Wrapper label from a 1957-1959 deck. A more colorful version of the same label design, with blue shape with gold outline, gold lettering,and numerous pink cherry blossoms. |
 |
Label from a two-deck wooden box. |
¶ Brand Line Up (1958 Price List)
¶ Hanafuda
| Grade | Brand Name | Price in JPY (per pair of decks) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Daitoryo | 500 |
| 2. | Otafuku | 390 |
| 3. | Heian | 350 |
| 4. | Kintengu | 335 |
| 5. | Tancho | 310 |
| 6. | Hatsuzakura, Miyako No Hana |
280 |
| 7. | Hakubai, Hana No Yama |
265 |
¶ Brand Line Up (1930’s Catalog)
¶ Hanafuda
| Grade | Brand Name | Price in JPY (per pair of decks) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Daitoryo | 3.55 |
| 2. | Taisho | 3.45 |
| 3. | Otafuku | 3.30 |
| 4. | Masamune | 3.25 |
| 5. | Shiko jirushi | 3.20 |
| 6. | Ginsekai | 3.05 |
| 7. | Chujo | 2.78 |
| 8. | Asahi Sakura, Kintengu |
2.68 |
| 9. | Marufuku jirushi | 2.63 |
| 10. | Yaezakura, Kikusui, Gintengu |
2.58 |
| 11. | Konishiki jirushi | 2.38 |
| 12. | Kikumaku | 2.33 |
| 13. | Tokiwa | 2.23 |
| 14. | Hatsuzakura | 2.18 |
| 15. | Hyaku-en | 1.87 |
| 16. | Hi No De | 1.77 |
| 17. | Hana No Yama | 1.67 |
| 18. | Miyako No Hana | 1.57 |
¶ Brand Line Up (1928 Catalog)
¶ Hanafuda
| Grade | Brand Name | Price in JPY (per pair of decks) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Daitoryo | 3.50 |
| 2. | Taisho | 3.40 |
| 3. | Otafuku | 3.25 |
| 4. | Masamune | 3.20 |
| 5. | Shiko jirushi | 3.15 |
| 6. | Ginsekai | 3.00 |
| 7. | Chujo | 2.75 |
| 8. | Asahi Sakura, Kintengu |
2.65 |
| 9. | Marufuku jirushi | 2.60 |
| 10. | Yaezakura, Kikusui, Gintengu |
2.55 |
| 11. | Konishiki jirushi | 2.35 |
| 12. | Kikumaku | 2.30 |
| 13. | Tokiwa | 2.20 |
| 14. | Hatsuzakura | 2.15 |
| 15. | Hyaku-en | 1.85 |
| 16. | Hi No De | 1.75 |
| 17. | Hana No Yama | 1.65 |
¶ Small-size Hanafuda
| Grade | Brand Name | Price in JPY (per pair of decks) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Yoroshii | 3.00 |
| 2. | Asahi Sakura | 2.65 |
| 3. | Hatsuzakura | 2.15 |