A genre of its own
Japanese publishers have long run magazines devoted to mahjong manga, featuring gamblers, professionals and comic everyday players. The genre combines strategy, psychology and drama.
Akagi and Ten
Nobuyuki Fukumoto's Akagi follows a genius gambler whose mahjong games are life-or-death battles of nerve. Its anime adaptation became a cult classic and introduced many viewers to riichi tactics.
Saki
Saki, by Ritz Kobayashi, follows high-school girls competing in mahjong tournaments with almost supernatural abilities. Its popularity helped riichi spread among young fans internationally.
From fans to players
Many players outside Japan say they first discovered riichi through anime and manga, then learned the real rules online. Japan-themed conventions in Europe and North America now often host mahjong tables.
