2-sun Shogi Table Board – Kyushu Kaya, Single-piece, Flat-grain cut (back face) – Minor Defects ( Item No. STW2 )

About Boards with Minor Defects

For our higher-priced boards, we cut and re-cut the log many times so that knots do not appear on the playing surface. As a result, the last part of each log yields some boards with more knots or coarser grain. We also include boards with noticeable blue stain, and laminated boards whose grain or knots do not meet our usual standard. All of these boards are made from the same kaya, in the same way as our other boards. The reason for the lower price of each board is described below. For more details, please see “Boards with Minor Defects.”

Why This Board Is Offered with Minor Defects

There is a blue stain on the underside of the board. A blue stain is a bluish discoloration that forms when moisture enters the wood. It can appear in any part of a log. The second and following product photos show the main spots, including the blue stain on the underside.

Effect on Use

The blue stain is a change in color only. It does not affect the strength of the board or the feel of play. It is on the underside, so it does not affect play.

About the Wood

This board is made from kaya grown in Kyushu, in southern Japan. Kaya has long been used for shogi and Go boards. It is valued for its moderate elasticity and the clear sound it makes when a piece is placed.

About the Construction

This is a single-plank board, cut directly from one log.

About the Flat Grain (Back Face)

This board is cut in flat grain, using the back face (kiura) as the playing surface. The back face is the side of the plank that was closer to the center of the log. Compared with straight grain, the grain has more movement, and the natural character of the wood shows more readily. This board shows the bold grain typical of flat-grain boards.

Thickness and Feel

The board is 2-sun thick (approximately 6.1 cm). This is a standard thickness for a table board. Its size and weight make it easy to use on a desk or table.

Aging

Over the years, kaya gradually turns a warm amber color. In the craftsman’s assessment, the blue stain on the underside will not change further in color, and it will become less visible with time.

About the Price

A comparable board in our shop, a single-plank shogi table board with flat grain on the back face (Item No. ST34, Aya National Forest kaya, 2.1-sun thick), is offered at ¥58,000. Because of the blue stain on the underside, this board is offered at ¥25,000, including komadai.

Choosing This Board

This single-plank board has the bold grain of a flat-grain cut, a calm yellow tone, and few knots. If the blue stain on the underside does not concern you after checking it in the photos, this board is well suited to everyday games and to replaying game records.

Included Items

Two komadai (piece stands) are included. Komadai are small stands placed beside the shogi board to hold the pieces captured during a game. Shogi pieces are not included.

Returns and Exchanges

The price of this board reflects the blue stain on the underside described above, as well as other differences in appearance that come from the nature of the wood, such as stains, knots, resin pockets, and uneven color. We may not be able to show every such spot in the description or photos. For this reason, we are unable to accept returns or exchanges based on these points. If the board is damaged during shipping, or has a defect that affects its use, such as a crack or a chip, please contact us within two weeks of delivery. The timing of a refund depends on the payment method.

Item	Details
Item No	STW2
Type	Shogi Table Board
Wood	Kaya
Origin	Kyushu Kaya
Construction	Single Plank
Grain	Flat Grain (Back Face)
Thickness	2-sun
Color Tone	Yellow
Grain Pattern	Bold
Knots	Few
Included	Komadai (pair of piece stands)

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.