5.35-sun Shogi Floor Board – Aya National Forest Kaya, Single-piece, Straight-grain cut

About the Wood

This board is made from a single plank of kaya sourced from Aya National Forest in Miyazaki Prefecture. Growing slowly in rocky terrain under a dense forest canopy, the wood develops tight grain, natural elasticity, and a distinctive fragrance — qualities that have made kaya the preferred material for shogi and Go boards for centuries.

About the Construction

The board is cut from a single log, with no lamination. The natural character of the wood appears as it is across the entire surface — straight grain, a warm reddish tone, and a calm, unhurried presence.

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 valued for their formal, steady appearance and dimensional stability over time.

Thickness and Feel

The board is 5.35-sun thick (approximately 16.2 cm). At this thickness, the board has a substantial weight and presence. The sound when pieces are placed deepens noticeably, absorbed into the body of the wood.

Aging and Natural Characteristics

There are some natural markings on the wood end, caused by moisture and internal movement within the log. These are visible now, but as kaya gradually warms to a deep amber with use, the contrast quietly fades into the surface. This is a board with good color — a warm, clear red that deepens over time.

Choosing This Board

Aya National Forest kaya, straight-grain, single plank, 5.35-sun. A clean surface with no knots and a calm reddish tone. For those who can accept the natural markings at the wood end, this is a board we can recommend honestly — for what it is, and for where it comes from.

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.