7.4-sun Shogi Floor Board – Kyushu Kaya, Single-piece, Straight-grain cut

About the Wood

This board is made from a single plank of kaya grown in Kumamoto, Kyushu. The grain is fine, and a calm yellow tone spreads evenly across the playing surface. The craftsman’s words for this board were simple: “a good board.” Nothing more was needed. Kaya has been used for shogi and Go boards for centuries, valued for its moderate elasticity, distinctive sound when pieces are placed, and the way it deepens slowly to a warm amber tone 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 across the entire surface without interruption.

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. The grain on this board is fine, and the clean character of the masame cut comes through clearly on the playing surface.

Thickness and Feel

The board is 7.4-sun thick (approximately 22.4 cm). At this thickness, the sound of placing pieces carries depth and weight. The combination of fine grain and substantial thickness gives the board a settled, composed feel when in use.

Aging and Natural Characteristics

There are no knots on this board. On the end grain face — the cross-section visible at the edge of the board — there is a natural mark left by resin that collected within the wood as it grew. This is a characteristic of the end grain only, not the playing surface or sides, and does not affect use. As the whole board deepens to amber over the years, it will gradually become less noticeable.

Choosing This Board

Fine grain, no knots, and a clean playing surface. The one characteristic to be aware of is the natural resin mark on the end grain face. For those who can accept it, this 7.4-sun floor board is a considered option across its price range.

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.