6.05-sun Shogi Floor Board – Shimane Kaya, Single-piece, Straight-grain cut

About the Wood

This board is made from a single plank of kaya grown in Shimane Prefecture. Kaya has been used for shogi and Go boards for centuries, valued for its moderate elasticity and distinctive sound when pieces are placed. Among Japan’s kaya-producing regions, Shimane kaya is known for its bold, tightly packed grain and a warm reddish tone that deepens over time.

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. The density and cohesion of a single piece of wood translate directly into the board’s stability and resonance.

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. On this board, the grain runs with particular force — paired with the reddish tone of the wood, the playing surface carries a quiet, composed presence.

Thickness and Feel

The board measures just over 6-sun in thickness (approximately 18.3 cm). This is a substantial thickness for a shogi floor board. When set in place on its legs, the weight and depth of the sound when pieces are placed are unlike thinner boards — there is an absorption and resonance that lives together in the same moment. Some of what this means can only be understood by sitting before the board itself.

Aging and Natural Characteristics

The playing surface is free of knots. The wood is consistent and even across the surface, and will gradually deepen in color with use. The reddish tone characteristic of Shimane kaya settles over the years into a quieter, amber warmth.

Choosing This Board

Bold grain, a knot-free surface, and a thickness that exceeds 6-sun. The character of Shimane kaya is present throughout. For those who want a floor board that brings a proper, considered presence to the game of shogi, this is a board worth taking time with.

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.