Successful Debut of Hiragana Mahjong at Game Market 2026 Spring Event

Hiragana Mahjong's Successful Debut at Game Market 2026 Spring

The highly anticipated debut of Hiragana Mahjong, developed by NEXT Corporation based in Minato, Tokyo, took place at the Game Market 2026 Spring. Held on May 23rd and 24th at Makuhari Messe, this major analog game event attracted a massive audience. The event proved to be an overwhelming success, with more than 350 attendees visiting the EdisonBrain booth over the two days.

Engaging Visitors with a Unique Gaming Experience

At the Edison's booth (R07), visitors got to experience all four variations of the Hiragana Mahjong series along with the newly launched card game, "Shuuden, Owatteimasu". Attendees were invited to try their hand at the game, showcasing its unique ability to engage people of different ages and backgrounds without requiring any ability to read or write kanji.

Families with children, mahjong enthusiasts, and people learning English all gathered around tables to enjoy the fun of forming words. The flat design concept of the game allows individuals, regardless of age or experience, to play on equal ground, making it a hit among newcomers. In total, a commendable 290 units were sold during the event, with many attendees leaving with purchases in hand, a clear testament to the game's captivating experience.

For those curious to learn more about the game, the official Hiragana Mahjong website can be accessed here.

Introduction of the New Card Game

Not only was Hiragana Mahjong featured, but the event also marked the first public presentation of the new card game "Shuuden, Owatteimasu." This game captures the typical experiences from drinking parties, placing players in the humorous yet challenging scenario of avoiding alcohol harassment and the chaos of after-parties while trying to survive until morning. Over the two-day market, 53 units of the card game were sold, and it garnered considerable interest due to its completely different chaotic and funny universe compared to Hiragana Mahjong.

What is Hiragana Mahjong?

Hiragana Mahjong is a fresh twist on traditional mahjong, using Hiragana or English letters instead of tiles. The gameplay involves drawing and discarding tiles to form valid words of two to three letters aiming for victory. Its simplicity makes it ideal for newcomers, eliminating the learning curve associated with kanji. Since the launch of its card version in 2024, it has gained popularity among a diverse age range and has achieved impressive sales, crossing 80,000 units in just a year and a half. It has even received attention from various media outlets, including the TBS variety show "Lavit!".

Additionally, the game has found applications in educational settings, such as its use in Japanese language classes in elementary schools in Gunma Prefecture and participation in a charity project donating 1,000 units to 100 facilities across the country.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, NEXT Corporation plans to enhance its collaborations with educational institutions and welfare facilities both domestically and abroad, striving to establish Hiragana Mahjong as a language communication tool from Japan on a global scale. The feedback and support received during this inaugural presence at the Game Market will undoubtedly motivate the company as they continue to evolve and grow.

To witness the fun of Hiragana Mahjong in action, check out the gameplay showcased at the event on their official site at Hiragana Mahjong.

Product Overview (Hiragana Mahjong)

- Product Name: Hiragana Mahjong (Hiragana and Alphabet versions)
- Type: Card version / Tile version
- Recommended Age: 7 years and up (recommended for elementary school students and older)
- Number of Players: 2 to 4
- Total Sales: Exceeding 80,000 units sold (as of 2026)