1-sun Shogi Table Board – Kyushu Kaya, Single-piece, Straight-grain cut

About the Wood

This board is made from a single plank of kaya grown in Kyushu. Kaya has been used for shogi and Go boards for centuries, valued for its moderate elasticity and distinctive sound when pieces are placed.

About the Construction

This is a single-plank board, cut directly from one log. Unlike laminated boards, the natural character of the wood appears as it is across the entire surface.

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 1-sun 6-bu thick (approximately 4.8 cm). This is slightly thinner than a standard table board, but the elasticity of kaya comes through clearly when pieces are placed.

About the Grain

The grain of this board is bold and assertive — there is a certain rawness to it. And yet the board holds together well as a whole; the character of the wood becomes the character of the piece. Some prefer a quieter surface; others are drawn to this kind of presence. The best way to know which is to see it in person.

Choosing This Board

Bold grain, a single plank, and the feel of Kyushu kaya. The surface is unassuming in its own way — honest about what it is. For those who want a board with a distinct personality, this one is worth considering.

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.