Hiragana Mahjong "Hiragajong" to Make Debut at Game Market 2026 Spring

NEXT Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Masato Suzue) announced that its Hiragana Mahjong game, "Hiragajong," will be featured for the first time at Game Market 2026 Spring. The event will take place at Makuhari Messe on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, 2026. The company will exhibit at the "EdisonBrain" booth (No. R07 for both days).

At the event, a total of four product lineups will be exhibited and sold: the Hiragana version (card and tile types) and the Alphabet version (card and tile types). Since its launch in 2024, "Hiragajong" has sold over 80,000 units and has gained attention for its educational and social contributions, including use in elementary school language classes and donations to welfare facilities.

Event Overview - Event Name: Game Market 2026 Spring - Dates: May 23 (Sat) - 24 (Sun), 2026 - Venue: Makuhari Messe (Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Pref.) - Booth Name: EdisonBrain - Booth Number: R07 (Both days)

Exhibit and Sales Lineup In addition to the four versions of "Hiragajong" (Japanese/English card/tile versions), a new card game titled "Shuden Owattemasu." (The Last Train Has Gone) will also be displayed and sold. - Hiragana Card Version: A portable, introductory version. - Hiragana Tile Version: Offers a more authentic feel for immersive play. - English Card Version: A card-based version for creating English words. - English Tile Version: A tile-based version for a more substantial English word game experience. - Shuden Owattemasu.: A new card game themed around common situations at drinking parties.

About "Hiragajong" "Hiragajong" is an educational activity based on the game system of mahjong, where players aim to form words of three or more characters using hiragana or alphabet tiles. It is designed to be accessible to all ages and experience levels, as it does not require knowledge of kanji. Since its launch 1.5 years ago in 2024, it has sold over 80,000 units and has been featured in media. The game also has a track record in education and welfare, being used in classes in Kiryu City, Gunma, and through a project donating 1,000 units to 100 facilities nationwide.

Purpose of Exhibition With a mission to "connect people through the power of play," NEXT Inc. considers its participation in one of Japan's largest analog game events to be highly significant. The booth will feature a hands-on corner for visitors to experience the game directly. The company aims to strengthen collaboration with educational and welfare institutions globally, with the goal of making "Hiragajong" a language communication tool from Japan. This exhibition is seen as a major step toward that goal.

The new game, "Shuden Owattemasu.," a card game about a night out drinking, will also make its debut at the event.