#Japan #Tokyo #東京 #CUBOID #米光一成

The CUBOID World Championship: A Comeback After Seven Years

The world of board games is about to witness a thrilling renaissance as the CUBOID World Championship makes its long-awaited return after seven years. Scheduled for September 26, 2026, the 4th edition of the tournament promises to captivate participants and spectators alike at HOME/WORK VILLAGE in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. The previous championship gathered momentum from 2017 to 2019, paving the way for an exciting relaunch in 2026.

In addition to competitive play, the event includes a talk session featuring renowned game designer Koji Yonemitsu, best known for games like “Haatte Iu Game” and “Puyo Puyo.” Sporting an entry fee of 1,100 yen, including one drink, tickets are already available, with a limited capacity, so interested individuals are encouraged to secure their spots soon. As a cherry on top, CUBOID's main game set is discounted by 10% until September 25, allowing newcomers and seasoned veterans alike to grab their own piece of this innovative game.

Championship Highlights

The inaugural CUBOID World Championship took place in Nakameguro, Tokyo, and since then, subsequent tournaments have spread to Osaka and back to Tokyo, creating a rich tapestry of competitive history. This time around, players will compete inside classroom 304 at the HOME/WORK VILLAGE — a venue uniquely designed to facilitate both learning and play. The nostalgic atmosphere aims to foster a spirit of camaraderie while delivering a thrilling competitive experience.

Competitions will follow a tournament format, with pairings decided on the day of the event. Each match consists of a best-of-three setup, with players having 30 seconds per move. One of the highlights is the use of a dedicated application called ‘CUBOID TIMER’ to keep everything running smoothly. Even those who don't own a CUBOID set can participate since the organizers will provide them.

The previous tournaments have seen remarkable victories from unexpected contestants, ranging from a mother who played while holding her infant to newcomers who picked up a CUBOID for the very first time. The game isn’t solely about experience; each tournament continually unveils novel strategies, proving that fresh perspectives can often lead to victory.

Learning and Winning

Before the main competition kicks off, participants will have the opportunity to attend a tutorial on winning strategies. Open to everyone, even those who’ve never played CUBOID before can familiarize themselves with the rules during this session. At the second championship, for example, many first-time players gained promising insights, setting the stage for an exciting contest.

Special prizes are awarded to both the champion and the runner-up, featuring exclusive products that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Past champions received limited-edition CUBOID sets and products from idontknow.tokyo, making the winning experience even more memorable.

Exclusive Talk Event

In line with the world championship, Koji Yonemitsu will host an engaging talk session centered on the theme of “Unplugged Fun.” By hosting the event, Yonemitsu, a prolific game creator, seeks to delve into the concept of play beyond the digital realm. His works span both computer and tabletop games, showcasing his versatility in understanding different gaming formats. The talk is part of the first session starting from 1 PM, and ticket holders for the championship can seamlessly transition to this insightful discussion.

Special Discounts on CUBOID

Originally priced at 4,500 yen (excluding tax), CUBOID has become more accessible due to increased production demands. It's currently available for 3,600 yen (tax included), and finding the winning strategy might just take practice — one person’s surprise wins could inspire a new generation of champions!

Now, until the championship, enthusiasts can purchase the game for just 3,564 yen, capitalizing on this limited time 10% discount. This opportunity is too tempting for those interested in sharpening their skills ahead of the competition.

Event Details

• - Date: September 26, 2026 (Saturday)
• - Location: HOME/WORK VILLAGE
• - Schedule:

- 1st Session: Talk event with Koji Yonemitsu from 1 PM to 2 PM (Doors open at 12:30 PM)
- 2nd Session: 4th CUBOID World Championship from 2:30 PM to 5 PM
- 2 PM: Winning Strategy Tutorial (Open to all)
- 2:30 PM: Registration & Pairing Announcement
- 3 PM: Championships Begin
- 3rd Session: Feedback Session and Networking from 5 PM to 6:30 PM (Cleanup by 7 PM)

• - Ticket Price: 1,100 yen (Tax included, one drink included)

- This ticket provides entry to the CUBOID World Championship, with a limited capacity of 40 participants until sold out.

About CUBOID

CUBOID consists of 16 white and black rectangular blocks and a board printed with a grid of dots. The game’s premise is straightforward: connect paths from the near side to the far side first. Its ingenious design allows for vertical stacking, transforming the board from flat to three-dimensional as gameplay progresses. This aspect creates a dynamic playing field where possibilities unfold, encouraging creativity with each play.

The game materializes visual intrigue after matches, leaving behind unique structural patterns worthy of display. Each CUBOID game set is offered at a price of 3,960 yen (tax included), with dimensions of W150 x D150 x H18 mm, crafted from wood.

About Idontknow.tokyo

Founded in 2015 by designer Tsunoda, TENT’s Aoki, and Haruta, and dedicated to sparking creativity in everyday life, Idontknow.tokyo serves as a brand that champions tools of thought. While we live in a hyper-connected world with instant access to information, they encourage a mindset of questioning the ordinary to rediscover the fun in critical thinking. For more information, visit Idontknow.tokyo.

For an experience that blends intellectual challenge, social engagement, and pure fun with an artistic flair, mark your calendar for the return of the CUBOID World Championship!