2.1-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 appearance and dimensional stability over time.

Thickness and Feel

The board is 2.1-sun thick (approximately 6.4 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 grain on this board is bold and open. Wide annual rings are a sign that the tree grew in favorable conditions — the wood developed freely, and that history shows in the surface. The character here is different from a fine-grained board, but the elasticity and sound of kaya remain the same. These qualities come from the wood itself, not from the tightness of its grain. The yellow tone will deepen gradually into a warm amber with use.

Choosing This Board

A single-plank board in straight grain with a bold, open grain pattern. This board suits those who can receive its character as a quality rather than a flaw. The feel when placing pieces is that of genuine kaya. For those drawn to the marks of how a tree grew — rather than the evenness of a fine-grained surface — this may be a board that stays with you.

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.