Board Games
Go (Igo):
- Strategy game, capture territory. Black and white stones on grid board.
- Intellectual pursuit, highly respected. Ranking system.
- Tournaments and clubs. Can take hours.
- Gambling sometimes occurs on professional matches.
Shogi (Japanese Chess):
- Strategy game, capture king. Pieces can be captured and reused.
- Very popular, all skill levels. Quick games possible.
- Street shogi (simultaneous matches, master vs. multiple opponents).
Various Card Games:
- Hanafuda (flower cards) - matching game
- Karuta (poetry cards) - memory and speed
- Regional variations
- Gambling games (regulated, not excessive)
- Family games (non-gambling versions)