Japan

5 traditional games

Japan has some of the most highly developed board-game institutions anywhere: professional leagues, centuries-old schools, and a refined aesthetic tradition. Shogi, Go and hanafuda card play each carry their own deep body of theory.

Playable now

Shogi将棋
Japanese chess — captured pieces come back fighting for you.
2 players20–45 min●●●●●
Go囲碁
Surround territory. Simplest rules, deepest game.
2 players10–40 min●●●●●
Renju連珠
Five in a row — with a handicap for whoever moves first.
2 players5–15 min●●●○○

Coming soon

SugorokuComing soonJapan’s branch of the ancient tables family.
Koi-KoiComing soonMatch the flowers of the month — then push your luck.