The Asahi Shimbun Company (Representative Director, President and CEO: Katsu Tsunoda) will hold the 2nd National High School Mahjong Championship for high school students nationwide. Qualifiers will be held in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka in July 2026, with the national tournament scheduled for August in Tokyo to determine the high school champion of Japan.

This tournament was established in 2025 in response to the growing number of young people engaging in competitive mahjong, fueled by the development of the professional mahjong league 'M.League.' The inaugural tournament last summer saw 572 participants from 286 teams representing 180 schools nationwide, with a team from Tokyo Metropolitan Koishikawa Secondary Education School winning the title.

In the 2nd tournament, parts of the semifinals and the finals will be broadcast live on the 'ABEMA Mahjong Channel.' By bringing the high school students' intense competition to the nation, the tournament aims to widely promote the appeal of mahjong as a mind sport.

Furthermore, in collaboration with the Kawaijuku Group, which has newly sponsored the tournament as an 'Educational Exploration Partner,' the organizers will begin exploring how mahjong, as a sophisticated mind sport, connects to the learning and growth of high school students. Initiatives such as post-match 'Kansosen' (review sessions) and the introduction of a 'Thinking Ability Award' will aim to visualize the learning gained through mahjong.

Qualifiers will be held at N High School Group campuses in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, with all matches conducted on the official tournament apps, 'Sega NET Mahjong MJ' and 'Mahjong Fight Club Sp.' In the national tournament, real-life matches using fully automatic tables will be held in addition to app-based matches. Participants are recruited through the official tournament website.

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event
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