2.45-sun Shogi Table Board – Shimane Kaya, Single-piece, Straight-grain cut

About the Wood

This board is made from a single plank of kaya sourced from Shimane Prefecture. Kaya has long been the preferred material for shogi and Go boards, valued for its moderate elasticity and the distinctive sound it produces when pieces are placed. Shimane kaya has its own character — a warm, reddish tone and a fine, strong grain that deepens to a rich amber with use.

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 2.45-sun thick (approximately 7.4 cm). Within the standard range for shogi boards, this thickness adds a solid weight and resonance. The depth of the sound when placing pieces reflects the substance of the wood beneath.

Aging and Natural Characteristics

Kaya gradually deepens to a warm amber tone with use. This board’s reddish character will settle into a rich, dark warmth over time. The fine grain means the color change is even and consistent across the surface.

About the Presentation Box

This board comes with a献上箱 (kenjōbako) — a traditional wooden presentation box with raised corners at the base. It can be used for long-term storage or as packaging for a gift. The box is a fitting companion for a board of this quality.

Choosing This Board

A single plank of Shimane kaya, straight-grain cut, reddish tone, fine grain — this board is composed with quiet consistency. It comes with a presentation box, making it a natural consideration for those looking for a gift or a board to keep close for many years. For those curious about regional differences in kaya, this is a board worth seeing.

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.