#Japan #Tokyo #Board Games #GP Inc. #Catan

Catan Open - An Invitation to All Board Game Enthusiasts

Are you passionate about board games and looking to take your Catan gatherings to the next level? The time has come to transform your local Catan meetings into an officially recognized event! GP Inc., a leading toy manufacturer based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has announced the commencement of the 'Catan Open', a sub-event associated with the Catan Japan Championship. This initiative aims to support and certify local gatherings, welcoming participants from various groups and communities.

What is the Catan Open?

The Catan Open is a fantastic opportunity for board game players, particularly those who may feel that participating in the national championships is a stretch. It caters to those who want to engage with different players, including seasoned competitors, in a more relaxed setting. The event is tailored for those eager to enjoy the game without the competitive pressure of the main championship. Thus, we are planning to host 'Catan Open' events across multiple locations.

Participants representing their local gatherings will earn a free pass to advance to the district tournament. This initiative seeks to broaden participation in the Catan community and offers a fun environment for both new and experienced players. We eagerly invite existing hosts and any new organizers to participate in this engaging drive to popularize board games.

Exclusive Benefits of the Catan Open

By registering your event as an official Catan Open, you will receive:

• - An 'Official Certification' acknowledging your event as a recognized Catan Japan Championship hosted event.
• - A guaranteed spot for one participant from your event to join the district tournament, along with waived entry fees.
• - A standard Catan game set to enhance your playing experience (note that due to the new edition's release, delivery may be delayed).
• - Exclusive prizes to be announced later.

The organization recognized as an official host will receive a certificate and publicity through GP Inc.’s social media channels, alongside guaranteed entry to the district tournament for one representative without any participation fees. Each primarily hosted gathering is encouraged to hold an open tournament to select their representative participant prior to the district competition.

How to Apply for the Catan Open

Interested entities can apply online. The eligibility criteria include:
1. Shops, cafes, or clubs specializing in board games.
2. A willingness to welcome new players, particularly beginners.

We recommend hosting your events a few weeks before the district competition dates for optimal participation. The application deadline is set; the first round will close at the end of April, with approximately 10% of available slots allocated to initial applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Once submissions exceed half of the maximum capacity, subsequent entries may be chosen via lottery.

For those looking to enhance their applications, we have also launched an official logo for promotional use, available for download here.

Catan Championship Highlights 2026

The 12th edition of the Catan Japan Championship is set for an expansive run, featuring eight nationwide venues, including a new addition in the Tohoku region as the primary hosting attraction.

• - Chubu District: April 12, 2026
• - Hokuriku District: April 19, 2026
• - Tohoku District: May 31, 2026
• - Kansai District: June 14, 2026
• - Kyushu District: June 21, 2026
• - Hokkaido District: July 5, 2026
• - Chugoku District: July 5, 2026
• - Kanto District: July 19, 2026
• - Finals: August 2, 2026 in Tokyo

This championship aims to foster robust participation, boasting impressive stats from previous years. For instance, in the 2025 event, over half of the participants were first-timers, highlighting the tournament's reach in expanding the board game community.

The Role of Catan in Modern Education

Catan is more than just a game; it is utilized as a tool for learning negotiation and strategic planning in educational settings. As more people discover the joys of Catan, its value as a tool for connection deepens, transcending the boundaries of age, gender, and background.

Join us in making the Catan Open an exciting part of the 2026 Catan Japan Championship journey! For any inquiries, please contact GP Inc. at 03-6273-9245 or via email at [email protected].