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

The 2026 Catan Championship: Japan's Premier Board Game Tournament

The excitement builds as the 2026 Catan Championship, the largest board game competition in Japan, is set to kick off in April 2026 across eight locations nationwide. Managed by GP Inc., a prominent toy manufacturer based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, this year's tournament marks a significant expansion, with the inclusion of a new venue in the Tohoku region, specifically in Morioka.

A Growing Community of Players

In 2025, the championship saw a remarkable turnout, with 51% of participants being newcomers, which highlights the growing popularity of board games in Japan. The event not only caters to hardcore fans but also welcomes casual players, making it a celebration of the board game culture. For 2026, expectations are high as the capacity across all venues is set to increase, with a total participation target exceeding 1,400 players.

The Championship Structure

The championship will feature regional qualifiers across the following locations:

• - Chubu Region: April 12 (120 participants) at Wink Aichi
• - Hokuriku Region: April 19 (100 participants) at IT Business Plaza Musashi
• - Tohoku Region: May 31 (100 participants) at Iwate Prefectural Industry Hall in Morioka
• - Kansai Region: June 14 (250 participants) at Namba Midosuji Hall
• - Kyushu Region: June 21 (120 participants) at Tenjin Crystal Building
• - Hokkaido Region: July 5 (80 participants) at Kaderu 2・7
• - Chugoku and Shikoku Region: July 5 (80 participants) at Okayama International Exchange Center
• - Kanto Region: July 19 (600 participants) at Tokyo Metropolitan Trade Center

The finals will take place in Tokyo on August 2, 2026. Those wishing to participate must register at their regional qualifiers, with ticket sales starting on November 29, 2025, at noon through the official website.

The Path to the World Championship

The winners from each regional tournament will advance to the finals, where the top player will represent Japan at the Catan World Championship. Scheduled every two years, this prestigious international event will see the next championship held in the USA in 2027, following the last event hosted in Stuttgart, Germany, in 2025. The Japanese representatives will compete against players from over 40 countries, showcasing their skills on the global stage.

The Catan Experience

Catan, a game that has sold over 45 million copies worldwide, is considered the original catalyst for the board game phenomenon. In Catan, players engage in strategic resource management and negotiation as they aim to build settlements and cities. Its depth and accessibility have made it beloved among both beginners and seasoned gamers alike, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of modern board games.

Beyond entertainment, Catan is increasingly being integrated into educational settings. Its mechanics facilitate learning about negotiation, resource management, and strategic thinking, promoting its use as a learning tool across various academic disciplines.

Inclusive and Community-Focused

Since its inception in 2012, the Catan Championship has served as a platform for community engagement and inclusivity, allowing players from diverse backgrounds to connect over this beloved game. The tournament embodies ideals of equality, where participants of different ages, genders, and nationalities come together to enjoy fair play.

Special Initiatives

To further engage with the community, the Catan Open will also be organized in conjunction with the championship. This initiative offers a more casual setting for those who might not be ready to compete at a championship level but still want to engage with the Catan community.

Conclusion

The upcoming 2026 Catan Championship promises to be not only a thrilling competition but also a celebration of friendship and learning within the board game community. With the expansion of venues and participant capacities, we expect to see more players join in this exciting journey. Don’t miss your chance; mark your calendars for ticket sales and get ready to roll the dice!

For more information, please visit the official website.