Popular table games in Japan

This article explores some of the most popular table games in Japan.

17:05 26 January 2023

This article explores some of the most popular table games in Japan. So for anyone looking to visit the country, you’ll get a bit of clue about the games people like. You might also be able to use this information to engage with locals and even socialize with them. There are two games introduced here: Mahjong, Shogi and Go.

Mahjong

Mahjong is a game that originated in China and is said to have more than a thousand years of history, though its origin is still unidentified. Surprisingly, the game first became widespread in western countries around the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. Japan picked up the game later than that, yet it has become rooted in present Japanese culture.

If you are in Japan, you’ll often see the sign “雀荘”. This is called “Jansou '' and is a house in which you can play Mahjong. These establishments are all operated under the same law as Pachinko (one type of gambling in Japan) so it’s only for people over 18. 

Having said that, betting does sometimes take place even though it’s prohibited. If you play Mahjong in Japan, you might come across unfamiliar rules. The basics should be the same wherever you go. Play normally takes place with 3 or 4 players who try to match sets and pairs to win the game. 

Without going into too much detail here, the game has developed uniquely by integrating different cultural and historical aspects. The professional Japanese “M League” is firmly established and is expected to preserve its popularity, regardless of its complexity. Once you are into the game, it seems very very difficult to get it out of your mind!

Shogi

Shogi is often translated as “Japanese chess” and that pretty much sums up the whole game. The main difference is that when you take opponents’ pieces you can use them as your own. This game also has a very long history and there are many theories on its origin. But the most predominant belief is that the original game began in ancient India before spreading across the world, developed differently according to each culture. 

Shogi has become a big part of the culture in Japan. so much so that the professional game is sometimes televised. One of the game’s major stars is a youngster by the name of Sota Fujii, who’s very well-known across the country. Also the game is often seen in mangas (Japanese cartoon comics) such as the immensely popular, NARUTO. As well as Mahjong, there are many hardcore fans of this game just like Chess in western countries. This kind of strategic game requires a lot of experience and understanding. But the more you learn about the game, the more compelling it becomes.

Playing Mahjong and Shogi Online

Both Mahjong and Shogi are currently available online. Interestingly, Mahjong is available to bet online even though the legality of online gambling is not confirmed in Japan. If you’re a beginner, it is better to start with a non gambling site as you don’t have sound knowledge. Some websites provide good free play with lessons also provided, so you can build your knowledge of strategy while actually playing. Also at certain websites, you can play against other online players allowing you to gauge your actual skill level. We recommend you try to learn these compelling games. As well as having some fun, they may help you to find more ways to socialize with Japanese people.