2-sun Shogi Table Board – Aya National Forest Kaya, 3-piece laminated, Straight-grain cut

About the Wood

This board is made from kaya sourced from the Aya National Forest in Miyazaki Prefecture. The old-growth Japanese kaya of Aya-cho grows slowly in rocky terrain, developing dense grain, a warm tone, and a faint natural fragrance. It is the wood that Kumasu Gobanten has worked with for generations.

About the Construction

This is a three-piece laminated board, joined from planks cut from the same log. At Kumasu Gobanten, laminated boards are made so that the joining lines align with the grid lines on the playing surface — keeping the face of the board clean and visually consistent.

About the Straight Grain

This board is cut in masame, or straight grain — a method where the log is cut toward the center, producing parallel lines running along the length of the board. Straight-grain boards are known for their clean, formal appearance and dimensional stability over time.

Thickness and Feel

The board is 2-sun thick (approximately 6.1 cm). This is a standard thickness for a table board, offering a well-balanced feel in terms of weight and the sensation when placing pieces.

Aging and Natural Characteristics

The playing surface currently shows some variation in color between the left and right sides, though in person the difference is less pronounced than in photographs. Kaya deepens gradually to a warm amber tone with use, and the color variation will settle naturally over time.

Choosing This Board

Fine, even grain and the quiet background of Aya-grown kaya. Despite being a laminated board, the playing surface is well-finished and consistent. For those drawn to the character of this wood and its region, this is a board that holds its own across its price range.

Each board is one of a kind.
Please contact us before placing an order to confirm availability.
For orders shipped outside Japan, customs duties or local taxes may be charged upon delivery depending on the destination country.