1.9-sun Go Table Board – Aya National Forest Kaya, 4-piece laminated, Straight-grain cut

About the Wood

This board is made from kaya grown in the national forests of Aya, Miyazaki Prefecture — timber managed by the Aya Forest District. Trees from this forest tend to grow slowly on rocky terrain, producing dense annual rings and a depth of color that sets them apart. This particular board features a red-toned piece of timber, which is relatively uncommon among kaya. Combined with the bold grain pattern, it makes for a board that stays in the mind.

About the Construction

This is a 4-piece laminated board. Pieces from the same log are joined together, with careful attention to aligning the grain direction and color tone. The result is a wide, unified surface that draws out the full character of the wood. The playing experience is no different from a single-plank board.

About the Straight Grain

This board is cut in masame, or straight grain — a method where the log is cut toward the center, producing lines that run straight along the length of the board. The lines on this board are broad and assertive rather than fine and even. It is a different kind of beauty from the restrained look of a finely grained board — something closer to the vitality of the tree itself.

Thickness and Feel

The board is 1.9-sun thick (approximately 5.8 cm). It has a solid, grounded presence as a table board, with a stable sound and feel when stones are placed.

Aging Over Time

Kaya deepens gradually to a warm amber tone with use. The reddish tones in this board will continue to develop with age, settling into a richer color shaped in part by the hands that have played on it.

About the Presentation Box

This board is part of a limited collection marking the 71st anniversary of Kumasu Go Board Studio. It comes with a dedicated presentation box — suitable as a gift, or as a personal milestone piece.

Choosing This Board

Bold grain, deep red tones, and a surface that reflects something of the forest it came from. This board does not aim for quiet restraint — it has a presence. For those drawn to strong wood character and to timber from the Aya forests specifically, and for those looking for a board that arrives ready to give.

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.