About Tendo Shogi Koma (Tendo Shogi Pieces)
Tendo Shogi Koma are shogi pieces produced in Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture. Said to have begun in the Tenpo era (1830s) when the Tendo domain encouraged samurai families to make shogi pieces as a side business, Tendo City now produces over 95% of all shogi pieces produced domestically. From 'kaki-goma' (hand-written pieces) where master calligraphers write characters on premium wood such as Satsuma boxwood and Mikurashima boxwood, to mass-produced 'hori-goma' (carved pieces) and 'hori-ume-goma' (inlaid carved pieces), diverse technical levels are produced. The production area supporting Japan's national game—shogi culture.
Techniques & Materials
Craft terms are shown in the original Japanese — these are proper names with no standard English equivalents.
Techniques
Materials
Where to see & buy
Workshop names are in Japanese; links go to their official sites.
- 天童市将棋資料館 hands-on experience