The History of _Japanese Board Games_ Like Sugoroku

Japanese board games have a long and rich history, with many of them originating centuries ago. One of the most notable traditional games is Sugoroku, which has roots that trace back to ancient times. Understanding the evolution of Sugoroku and other Japanese board games provides insight into Japanese culture, its customs, and the historical influences that shaped its recreational practices.

The Origins of Sugoroku

Sugoroku, sometimes referred to as the “Japanese board game of fortune,” dates back to the Nara period (710–794). The name “Sugoroku” itself is derived from the Chinese word “Shuōguó,” which refers to a dice game. Over time, it developed into a distinctive part of Japanese entertainment.

There are two main types of Sugoroku:

1. Ban-sugoroku (board Sugoroku): This is a traditional board game that resembles the modern-day “game of life” or “chutes and ladders.” Players move pieces along a board with numbered squares, trying to reach the end first. The board is typically a path, and players use dice to determine their movements.

2. Tō-sugoroku (dice Sugoroku): This is a dice-based game, which is a direct precursor to modern board games like backgammon. In this version, players roll dice and move their pieces according to the numbers shown, and the objective is often to capture or reach a specific destination.

Early Development and Influence of Sugoroku

The game of Sugoroku has influences from both Chinese and Korean games. The Chinese version of Sugoroku, known as “Shuōguó,” was initially a gambling game, and its spread to Japan led to the development of various regional versions.

During the Heian period (794–1185), Sugoroku began to take shape as an entertainment game played by the nobility. The aristocracy enjoyed the game, particularly in the form of Kōbō Sugoroku (Board Sugoroku). However, the game slowly moved beyond the court and became popular among common people as well.

During the Edo period (1603–1868), Sugoroku experienced a boom. This era was characterized by a thriving merchant class, which led to the creation of simpler versions of Sugoroku, designed for everyday entertainment. Sugoroku boards became widely available, and the game was played in homes, temples, and public spaces, often as a form of casual family recreation. During this period, the commercialization of the game led to a variety of themes being applied to Sugoroku, including stories from popular literature, religious motifs, and historical events.

The Mechanics of Sugoroku

While Sugoroku has evolved over time, its core mechanics have remained consistent. The game is typically played on a square board, with a winding path of numbered squares. Players roll dice or use another randomizing method (like drawing lots) to determine how many squares they can move. The object of the game is to reach the last square first, often with the help of various shortcuts or detours that appear along the way.

In Ban-sugoroku, the board’s layout often reflects different themes. For instance, some games might feature famous locations or mythical creatures, while others represent historical events or journeys to the afterlife. The boards are often beautifully illustrated, adding an artistic aspect to the gameplay. Over time, variations in Sugoroku began to reflect different themes, such as holidays, popular stories, and everyday life, making it a flexible and versatile game for different occasions.

The Influence of Sugoroku in Japanese Culture

Sugoroku is not just a game but a significant cultural artifact. Over the years, Sugoroku became intertwined with various aspects of Japanese culture. For instance, New Year’s celebrations often included the playing of Sugoroku as part of traditional festivities. It also appears in Japanese art, especially ukiyo-e woodblock prints, where artists depicted people engaged in playing Sugoroku. This was particularly popular during the Edo period, a time when the game was part of leisure life for both rich and poor alike.

Sugoroku also provided more than just entertainment—it played an educational role in Japanese society. Some versions of Sugoroku, especially in later periods, were used to teach children about geography, history, or morals. Games with moral teachings often used the path of the game to represent life’s struggles and rewards, illustrating the consequences of various actions. For example, players might advance toward “virtue” or be sent back to “vice” depending on the spaces they landed on.

The Decline and Revitalization of Sugoroku

By the end of the Meiji period (1868–1912), Sugoroku saw a decline in popularity due to the influence of Western games like chess and backgammon. The rapid modernization and Westernization of Japan during the Meiji Restoration led to an increased focus on Western recreational activities, pushing traditional games to the margins.

However, in the post-war years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional Japanese games. Modern Sugoroku versions can be found in board game shops and are sometimes featured in festivals and exhibitions, showcasing the deep cultural roots of these ancient games. Furthermore, Sugoroku has influenced the development of contemporary Japanese board games, contributing to the global spread of Japanese game culture.

Other Traditional Japanese Board Games

While Sugoroku is the most famous, it is by no means the only traditional Japanese board game. Some other noteworthy examples include:

1. Go: This ancient game, believed to have been played for over 2,500 years, involves two players taking turns to place black and white stones on a grid, with the objective of capturing the opponent’s stones.

2. Shogi: Often referred to as Japanese chess, this strategy game has similarities to chess but with notable differences in the rules, such as the ability to drop captured pieces back onto the board as your own.

3. Renju: A game that is similar to tic-tac-toe but played on a larger grid, where players aim to line up five pieces in a row.

4. Hanafuda: A card game that features beautifully illustrated cards, representing different flowers of the year. It has its own set of rules and is still popular in Japan today, especially with games like Koi-Koi.

Conclusion

The history of Sugoroku, along with other traditional Japanese board games, is a fascinating reflection of Japan’s cultural evolution. From its early days as a gambling game influenced by Chinese and Korean traditions, Sugoroku transformed into a cultural staple enjoyed by all classes of Japanese society. It served as a form of both entertainment and education and is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Japan. Though the advent of Western games may have led to a decline in Sugoroku’s popularity, its legacy continues in modern adaptations and through the broader tradition of Japanese board games. Whether through the beautiful artistry of its boards or the timeless thrill of gameplay, Sugoroku remains an enduring part of Japan’s gaming history.