Exciting News for High School Mahjong Enthusiasts
In a groundbreaking partnership, Asahi Shimbun and SEGA have announced the establishment of the National High School Mahjong Championship, a tournament aimed at determining the best high school mahjong players in Japan. The tournament will utilize the widely popular "SEGA NET Mahjong MJ" as its official application, paving the way for a unique blend of traditional gameplay and modern technology.
Championship Overview
Scheduled to take place in July and August 2025, the National High School Mahjong Championship will commence with preliminary rounds in Tokyo and Osaka. The tournament is designed for high school students across Japan, encouraging them to showcase their skills in a competitive environment while fostering friendships through the game of mahjong.
Main Schedule:
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Osaka Venue: July 12-13, 2025
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Tokyo Venue: July 19-21, 2025
- - Final Rounds: August 7-8, 2025, at the Asahi Shimbun Tokyo headquarters.
The excitement is palpable as students prepare to battle for the championship title. With the growth of the Mahjong Pro League (M-League) inspiring more students to take the game seriously, schools are increasingly forming clubs and practices to hone their strategies.
Unique Features of the Tournament
Using SEGA NET Mahjong MJ:
The official app allows for convenient and flexible gameplay, enabling matches to be played easily and quickly. Key advantages include:
- - Capability of playing anywhere, anytime.
- - Automatic score calculations simplify the experience for beginners.
- - Record keeping for research and strategy development.
The finals will incorporate both digital play via the application and traditional mahjong tables to ensure an all-encompassing mahjong experience, challenging students to blend their online skillset with real-time strategy against peers.
Prominent figures from the M-League, including Daigo Ota from SEGA Sammy Phoenix and Kazuto Sasaki from KONAMI Mahjong Fighters, will attend the finals, motivating the participants and adding celebrity excitement to the event.
Participation Details
To participate, pairs of students from the same high school are encouraged to register through the official website. There are no limits on team applications from the same institution, and participants must download and utilize both the SEGA NET Mahjong MJ and KONAMI Mahjong Fighters applications.
- - Eligibility: All high school students in Japan, including those from specialized schools and international schools, are eligible to participate.
- - Registration Deadline: Teams wishing to compete in the Osaka preliminaries must apply by July 6, while those aiming for Tokyo must register by July 9, 2025.
A great highlight for all participating teams is a complimentary book detailing stories of players devoted to the M-League, enhancing the experience even further.
Conclusion
As the popularity of mahjong surges among the youth, this championship is set to become an annual affair, establishing a prestigious platform for young talent in the competitive world of mahjong. Participants are encouraged to embrace the challenges ahead and embody the spirit of sport through strategic gameplay and teamwork. With the official application leading the charge, students are poised for an unforgettable experience that could ignite a passion for mahjong lasting well beyond their high school years.
For more information, visit the official championship website:
Asahi National High School Mahjong Championship.