2.1-sun Shogi Table Board – Kyushu Kaya, Single-piece, Straight-grain cut

About the Wood

This board is made from a single plank of kaya grown in Kyushu. Kaya has been used for shogi and Go boards for centuries, valued for its moderate elasticity and distinctive sound when pieces are placed.

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 appearance and dimensional stability over time.

Thickness and Feel

The board is 2.1-sun thick (approximately 6.4 cm). This is a practical thickness for a table board, offering a well-balanced feel in terms of weight and the sensation when placing pieces.

Aging and Natural Characteristics

The playing surface is free of knots. At present, there is a visible contrast between the reddish and yellow areas of the wood — this is a natural variation within the plank itself. Over time, the entire surface gradually warms and evens out into a unified amber tone. The board that exists in ten or twenty years will look quite different from the one you receive.

Choosing This Board

A knot-free surface and straight grain. For those who can appreciate the current contrast in color as part of the board’s ongoing change, this is a straightforward board to consider. How it will age is part of what you are choosing.

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.