Our Story
How wood, Go boards and Shogi boards enhance our lives
A short introduction
The scent of wood, the sound a piece makes when placed on the surface, how your hand reacts to the physical contact. Our boards are, by their very nature, vessels of value that transcends mere victory or defeat.
Kumasu Go Board Studio is a small family-run workshop in Japan that specializes in handcrafting Go and Shogi boards.
We welcome orders and inquiries from overseas via email.
Ordering and shipping details are provided on individual pages for our products.
At Kumasu Go Board Studio, we view Go and Shogi boards as lifelong companions, crafting each one individually while engaging with the wood to bring out its unique character.
Today, only a handful of craftsmen known as “board artisans” are left in Japan.
Among them, we at Kumasu Go Board Studio are likely the only ones who handle not only board manufacturing, but the entire process from wood selection to hand-carving the legs.
Our predecessor was honored as a Master Craftsman of Modern Times (awarded by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan), and today, his four sons continue the work.
The eldest and second sons are certified Traditional Craftsmen of Miyazaki Prefecture, and dedicate themselves to constant refinement of their craft.
In recent years, we have seen a gradual increase in inquiries from overseas. However, our work is not about mass production or speed.
On this page, we explain the philosophy behind how we, at Kumasu Go Board Studio, approach craftsmanship, and how we can assist our international customers.
Our products
At Kumasu Go Board Studio, we view Go and Shogi boards as instruments that quietly mature into your daily life.
Beyond being tools in games that decide victory or defeat, they are also objects we develop and deepen a relationship with through repeated daily use. We can feel their texture when touching them, hear their distinctive tone when placing game pieces on top of them, and appreciate their quiet presence when displayed in a room.
We handcraft each board individually, carefully discerning the character of the wood. Our approach is not solely about shaping the wood, but about creating an instrument that becomes a part of someone’s life. That is the essence of craftsmanship at Kumasu Go Board Studio.
If you are wondering about which board is right for you, we also recommend referring to our guide on “How to Choose a Go Board.”
Go Boards
Tabletop and floor-standing boards, single-piece and laminated.
Shogi Boards
Available in tabletop and floor-standing styles.
Accessories
Piece stands, paulownia boxes, and related items.
Kaya Products
Cutting boards and kitchen tools made from kaya wood.
The wood we use
At Kumasu Go Board Studio, we specialize in using Japanese kaya wood.
Kaya has long been valued as an ideal wood for Go boards.
Many players appreciate its distinctive scent and resonant sound.
For more information about kaya wood, please see our “About kaya” page.
The board crafting process
Kumasu Go Board Studio crafts each Go board with meticulous care following the steps below.
View the crafting process
Wood selection
We source domestic Japanese kaya, and carefully inspect each piece for grain and condition to select the most suitable sections for Go boards.
We engage with each piece of wood individually, extracting the best-suited sections for the final product.
Drying
We focus on natural drying, allowing the wood to settle over a period of five years or more.
Thorough drying prevents cracking and warping of the wood, ensuring the board reaches a stable condition.
Wood drying indoors and outdoors.
Planing
After drying, the board surface is hand planed to achieve a level and smooth finish. This is a high-precision operation directly affecting both the board’s texture and its acoustics.
Hollowing the base
A navel (soundboard recess) is carved in the center of the board’s underside, along with holes in the four corners for inserting legs.
The navel enhances the acoustic effect of the stones’ impact when placed on the board, and prevents warping or cracking caused by wood drying or shrinking.
Grid marking
Using a tachi blade, the artisan applies lacquer to mark the grid on the board surface. The curvature of the tachi blade allows him to apply the lacquer slowly and evenly, achieving a beautiful finish without distortion.
Leg carving
The legs for footed boards are carved and finished from the same wood.
At Kumasu Go Board Studio, each leg is meticulously crafted by hand.
Attaching the legs
The legs are attached to the board and carefully adjusted for level and angle to ensure stability and eliminate any wobbling or awkwardness.
Completion
The finished board is polished, inspected, and prepared for shipment.
Each board is a one-of-a-kind creation, showcasing the unique character of the wood.
Frequently asked questions are compiled in our FAQ section.
Notice for international customers considering placing an order
- International shipping
- How to order
- About kaya
- Choosing a Go board
- FAQ
- Board maintenance
Orders and customer inquiries
For overseas orders and inquiries, please contact us via email.
We can accommodate English language requests, but please note that responses may take some time depending on the nature of your inquiry.
- We welcome inquiries before placing an order.
- We are currently working to expand our payment options, including credit card processing.
- While we may not always be able to accommodate urgent requests, we strive to respond sincerely to all inquiries.
Contact
Please send your orders and inquiries to the email address below.
We are happy to assist you and will address your needs and requests with care.
Email：info★kumasugobanten.jp（Please replace ★ with @.）