Riichi Mahjong: Japan's Version of the Game

Tile-clicking parlors, a famous declaration and some very specific scoring make Japanese mahjong a distinct game worth learning.

Published October 18, 2026 at 11:58 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Riichi mahjong is the main Japanese form of mahjong, played by four people with 136 tiles. Players draw and discard to build a hand of four sets and a pair. A player who is one tile from winning can declare riichi by placing a stick as a bet. A hand needs at least one scoring pattern, called a yaku, to win.

Where riichi mahjong sits in the mahjong family

Mahjong came to Japan in the early twentieth century and developed its own conventions. Today, riichi mahjong is the standard version across Japan, with its own rules, scoring and etiquette. It differs from several other regional forms, such as Chinese or Hong Kong mahjong, so players who know another version need to learn some differences. The game uses a set of 136 tiles. They include three numbered suits, named characters (manzu), circles (pinzu) and bamboo (souzu), each running from one to nine with four copies of each tile.

There are also honor tiles: four winds and three dragons. Unlike some versions, the standard Japanese set has no flowers or seasons. Many people encounter the game through manga and anime, where mahjong is a popular theme, and through apps and online platforms. Mahjong parlors, called janso, are found in many Japanese cities, and the game is a common hobby among friends and coworkers.

The basic aim and how a turn works

Four players sit around a table, and each is dealt thirteen tiles. On your turn you draw a tile and then discard one, aiming to complete a hand of fourteen tiles consisting of four sets and a pair. A set can be three identical tiles or three consecutive tiles in the same suit. You may also take a discarded tile from another player in some situations. A call to take a tile for a sequence is called chi, available only from the player on your left.

A call for three of a kind is pon, and a call for four is kan. Taking tiles makes your hand open, which has effects on scoring. A win by drawing the final tile yourself is called tsumo, and a win on someone else's discard is called ron. The game continues in rounds, with the dealer rotating, and a full game is often east and south rounds, lasting around an hour or more.

Riichi: the namesake declaration

Riichi means ready hand. When your hand is one tile from completion and is closed, meaning you have not called any tiles, you can declare riichi. You do this by placing a 1,000-point stick on the table and announcing it, then keeping your hand fixed, drawing and discarding without changing the shape. Riichi has strategic effects. It adds a yaku to your hand and can raise the value, and it also signals to others that you are close to winning.

They may become more defensive, discarding safe tiles instead of those that could help you. A winner collects the riichi sticks on the table. The declaration has a risk, since you cannot change your hand afterward, except by completing it. Players weigh whether to commit based on their hand quality and the state of the game. This balance between attack and defense is one of the game's pleasures.

Yaku, dora and scoring

In Japanese mahjong, a hand must contain at least one yaku, a recognized scoring pattern, in order to win. Examples include riichi itself, tanyao (all simples, with no terminals or honors), and pinfu (a no-points hand of sequences). There are dozens of yaku, and learning them is a gradual process. Dora are bonus tiles that add value to a hand but are not yaku themselves.

One tile is indicated at the start of the hand, and the next tile in sequence is the dora. Many sets also include red fives, called akadora, which count as bonuses. Scores are calculated using han, which count the value of patterns, and fu, which come from details of the hand. The payout table is a chart that players learn through experience. Scoring apps and charts help beginners, and modern online games calculate it automatically.

Furiten and other rules newcomers meet

One rule that surprises beginners is furiten. If a tile you need to complete your hand is in your own discards, you cannot win by ron on that tile, even if another player discards it. You can still win by tsumo. The rule encourages careful discarding and adds a layer of strategy. Other rules include the flow of dealer repeats, which give extra points, and the game ending in draws when all tiles are used.

There are variations between parlors, such as whether you can take a game after a certain score, so asking about local rules before starting is considered polite. Etiquette matters. Handle the tiles gently, avoid slamming, announce calls clearly and do not reveal your hand before the end. When in doubt, watch the other players and follow their example. A good way to practice is to review your own discards at the end of each hand and ask which tiles you would need to win.

Playing mahjong in Japan

Mahjong parlors vary from casual friendly rooms to professional-style venues with automatic tables that shuffle and build the walls. Some welcome beginners and offer introductory sessions, and a number have English guidance. Parlors may charge by the hour or by the game, and many provide drinks or snacks. Check each parlor's rules and prices on its site. It is important to understand that gambling for money is illegal in Japan.

Reputable parlors for casual players run games without money stakes, often called no-rate mahjong. Avoid any place that suggests betting, and play only friendly games. There is also a professional scene. Pro leagues, television programs and streaming events feature top players, and the game has a following similar to that of shogi and go. Watching a broadcast with commentary is a good way to learn how experts think.

Learning the game and planning a mahjong evening

Start with the core: how to form sets, how to declare riichi and how to win. Then add yaku one at a time. Many beginners begin with online simulators or smartphone apps, which allow practice without pressure and provide scoring help. Books and video tutorials are available in English and Japanese. Play with friends who also want to learn, and use a cheat sheet for yaku and scoring. After a few games, review what happened. Which discards were risky?

Which ones were safe? Over time, you develop a sense for tile efficiency, which is choosing discards that give the best chance to complete the hand. A good habit is to learn defense early. Knowing which tiles are safe against a riichi player prevents many losses and is as valuable as attacking skill. Mahjong in Japan is often paired with simple food and drinks. Parlors offer tea, coffee and snacks, and groups of friends often have a meal before or afterward.

Izakaya and ramen shops near mahjong parlors are common stops. If you are interested in the cultural side, look for mahjong museums and exhibits, or manga series available in English translation. Tile sets are also sold as souvenirs in some shops. Choose a full set with a case if you want to play at home. Be patient with yourself. The game rewards experience, and even regular players are still learning after years. The community is generally welcoming to newcomers who show respect and curiosity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tiles are in a riichi mahjong set?

A standard set has 136 tiles: 108 numbered tiles in three suits, plus 28 honor tiles in the form of winds and dragons. There are four copies of each tile. Many sets also include red five tiles, which count as bonuses, along with scoring sticks and a dice pair.

What does riichi mean?

Riichi means ready hand. It is a declaration made when your closed hand is one tile from winning. You place a 1,000-point stick on the table, announce it, and cannot change your hand afterward except by drawing the winning tile, which adds a scoring pattern to the hand.

Is mahjong in Japan legal?

Playing mahjong is legal, but gambling for money is not. Many parlors operate games without stakes, often called no-rate mahjong. If you play, choose friendly rules and avoid any place that encourages betting. Parlor staff can explain their house rules and prices on request.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Menko and Beigoma: Edo-Era Street Games, Japanese Arcades: UFO Catchers and Rhythm Games and Rokuyo: Japan's Six-Day Lucky Calendar.