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Board games are a fantastic way to experience different cultures, and Japan offers some unique gems that are both entertaining and culturally enriching. Some of these Japanese board games offer a window into the diverse world of Japanese board gaming, blending traditional culture (and even food) with modern mechanics.
Here are six Japanese board games that may not be in your collection yet but are definitely worth checking out.
Riichi Mahjong (A Deep Dive into Strategy and Luck)
Riichi Mahjong, introduced to Japan in 1924 by soldier Saburo Hirayama, has evolved distinctly from its Chinese origins. Unlike the commonly known Mahjong, Riichi involves unique rules like ready declaration (riichi) and the use of bonus tiles (dora), adding more depth and strategy to the game.
Players aim to create a winning hand from a combination of tile sequences and sets, with the twist of special yaku (hand patterns) that are required for a valid win. The game beautifully blends skill, strategy, and luck, making it a popular pastime in Japan, influencing manga, anime, and beyond.
Of course, the Mahjong tiles are as pretty as ever and can even serve as your living room coffee table ornament once you’re done with a match.
Shogi (Japanese Chess with a Twist)
Shogi, often likened to chess, features a dynamic captured-piece rule allowing players to use the pieces they capture from their opponent as their own. This leads to a highly strategic and varied game, where comebacks are always possible, making it a deeply beloved game in Japan.
There are even anime dedicated to playing Shogi as it’s considered a sport there, much like chess. The history and evolution of Shogi reflect a deep-seated cultural appreciation for strategy, with professional players competing at levels akin to grandmaster status in chess.
Onitama (The Martial Arts Board Game)
Onitama is a more modern minimalist strategy game similar to speed chess, where players use cards to dictate their moves. It has its rapid gameplay and changing conditions, and Onitama demands adaptability and foresight. More than anything, it presents a cerebral challenge that reflects the martial arts philosophies that inspire it.
The game is thematically linked to martial arts philosophy, and each move is represented by a card that mimics an animal-inspired martial arts move. Players must outmaneuver their opponent in a dance of strategy, shifting their pieces across the board while anticipating their opponent’s next move.
Sushi Royale (A Delicious Blend of Creativity and Chance)
Sushi Royale turns the delicious art of sushi into a competitive and strategic board game where players collect sets of sushi dishes to score points. The game combines elements of memory, strategy, and luck, offering a light-hearted yet competitive experience that can appeal to both casual and serious gamers.
Players compete to create the best sushi combinations, earning points based on the types of sushi they collect. The game introduces an element of strategy as players decide which pieces to pick and which to leave for their opponents. After that, you have to guess your opponent’s type or combination of sushi.
It’s a light-hearted and entertaining game that is perfect for family game nights or social gatherings. Just don’t eat the plastic sushi pieces, no matter how tasty they look.
Hako Onna (The Haunting Japanese Hide-and-Seek)
If you’re looking for something more serious or grim, you’ll love this horror board game.
Hako Onna translates to “Box Woman,” a horror-themed game where one player assumes the role of a female ghostly entity trying to capture the others. The unique mechanics and eerie theme offer a tense and immersive experience. Needless to say, it’s a scary deviation from traditional board games to provide a haunting, atmospheric game night.
The game combines elements of hide-and-seek with strategy and suspense, as players must avoid the Hako Onna while searching for a way out. It’s a perfect game to play after binge-watching all of the Grudge films.
Machi Koro (The City-Building Dice Game)
Machi Koro is a fast-paced, dice-rolling game where players assume the role of city mayors racing to build their cities first. The game combines elements of luck and strategy, as players manage resources and plan their city’s development, reflecting the bustling, competitive nature of city life in Japan.
By rolling dice and collecting income from their developed properties, players can fund further developments, aiming to complete major landmarks before their opponents. There’s an element of Monopoly to it and even kids can join in on the fun.
