Queen, pawn, rook… They’re all here and totally yoked. Read More
Chess
Brush up on your flying chariot versus incense chariot tactics with this close-quarters version of the complex Japanese relative of chess.
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After seeing Google’s artificial intelligence system “AlphaGo” beat one of the best Go players alive last week, I decided to try the popular game myself.
With all its complexities and long history, chess is unquestionably a regal game, but it hasn’t really changed that much over time. The basic rules have remained steadfast, which is actually kind of great if you’re looking to compare games past and present. But what if someone took modern technology and applied it to this hallowed game? What would it be like?
Well, it would probably be like the upcoming game Speed Chess, set to debut this week at Tokyo Game Show 2015! The game is in for a major revamp, complete with a lack of turns and a multi-touch display that glows brilliant neon colors!





Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
The Yellow Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is so bad it may damage Japan-US relations
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki gets a happy ending to his broken eraser tale
Japan’s Hello Kitty Airport theming gets extension, avoids autumn end
Japanese public toilet in Tokyo has windows that change colour when you use it
A Gintama fan’s emotional 19-year journey to buy a proper Lake Toya bokuto wooden katana【Pics】
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Evangelion taking over Tokyo Skytree just in time for Christmas
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Japan’s Hello Kitty Airport theming gets extension, avoids autumn end
Japanese public toilet in Tokyo has windows that change colour when you use it
A Gintama fan’s emotional 19-year journey to buy a proper Lake Toya bokuto wooden katana【Pics】
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Evangelion taking over Tokyo Skytree just in time for Christmas
Finally! Nintendo Japan expands Switch 8-bit controller sales to everybody, Online member or not
Is Oni Koroshi sake in a drink box wino fuel or a hidden gem?
Now you can have beauty-conscious non-alcoholic beer from Suntory!
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
7-Eleven now sells rice burgers in Japan, blurring the line between fast and convenience store food
We visit the full-scale Evangelion statue in Kyoto and particularly delight in the food tie-ins
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only