Mahjong originated in China in the late 19th century and swiftly spread across the world, and new variants sprung up everywhere it was played. Japanese or riichi mahjong is one of the most popular of these variants, blending the Chinese roots of the game with some distinct Japanese flavour.
Japanese or Riichi Mahjong
Japanese expats returning from China in the early 1900s brought mahjong back with them and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The game was embraced for its strategic complexities and social elements. The game evolved from its Chinese roots to incorporate rule variations unique to Japanese mahjong – riichi being one of those evolutions.
Mahjong became a staple at social gatherings and featured prominently in modern popular culture of the 20th century, attracting players from all walks of life. As the game developed, a competitive mahjong scene started to develop and professional associations and leagues were established. These groups actively promote mahjong and produce televised events.
Playing and learning mahjong is a lifelong process. As much as a game of four people, it is a game against yourself. Coaching is a great way to identify where your game could do with improvement and offer you a focused plan to achieve your goals.