Japanese anime has been trending all over the world since the last decade. Modern studios have uplifted the animation to the next level, where they even surpassed various TV series and movies in terms of worldwide collection. Such anime are Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and many more. Today, we are here to discuss an interesting topic with our readers on Japanese game anime.
Here, we are referring to the traditional Japanese games that were originated to play offline. It comprises the collection of Go, Shogi, Karuta, and many more games. The anime in the list are primarily themed on these types of traditional games. So, without any further ado, let’s begin the ranking on Best Japanese Game anime. Also, the order is done based on IMDb ratings.
Note- Apart from the traditional Japanese games, we have also mentioned the most famous classic Chinese game (Mahjong), which later on became popular in Japan.
Table of Contents
9) Saki Episode of Side A-
IMDb Ratings- 5.5
Game- Mahjong (game)
Studio- Studio Gokumi
Number of Episodes- 12
Saki Episode of Side A is based on the most popular game, Mahjong. It has 12 episodes displaying the story of the Achiga Girls’ Academy in Nara that was defeated by Bansei High School in the mahjong game.
Later the defeat, the club gets disbanded. After six years, Shizuno Takakamo, an elementary student, decides to revive this club with the help of Nodoka, a transfer student.
8) The Ryuo’s Work is Never Done!-
IMDb Ratings- 6.1
Game- Shogi (game)
Studio- Project No.9
Number of Episodes- 12
The Ryuo’s Work is Never Done is a popular Japanese board game anime based on Shogi. It has 12 episodes filled with comedy and slice of life. It has a story of Yaichi Kuzuryuu, who has become the number 1 player in Shogi at such a young age.
However, the Shogi community doesn’t accept him by saying the worst Ryuuou ever. On the other hand, he had promised a young girl, Ai Hinatsuru, to coach her if he won. Together they practice, improve and exceed their limits.
7) Mudazumo Naki Kaikaku: The Legend of Koizumi-
MAL Ratings- 6.9
Game- Mahjong (game)
Studio- TYO Animations
Number of Episodes- 3
This anime only has 3 OVAs. It majorly focuses on the Mahjong game. The plot revolves around the world-famous political leaders playing Riichi Mahjong against each other.
6) Shoubushi Densetsu Tetsuya-
IMDb Ratings- 7.0
Game- Mahjong (game)
Studio- Toei Animation
Number of Episodes- 20
Shoubushi Densetsu Tetsuya is a historical Japanese game anime that displays a glimpse of Mahjong. The protagonist, Tetsuya, spends most of his time playing Mahjong and earning money. However, when he meets Boushu-san, a professional Mahjong, he realizes that his skills are still lacking. So, how he changes himself.
5) Shion no Ou-
IMDb Ratings- 7.2
Game- Shogi (game)
Studio- Studio Deen
Number of Episodes- 22
Shion no Ou is a suspense anime that revolves around a 13-year-old Shogi player, Yasuoka Shion. She is a beautiful player with a terrible past. She was forced to play Shogi to stay alive at the age of 5. And after erasing her memory, she has become an excellent Shogi player. However, what will happen when her memories come back.
4) Saki-
IMDb Ratings- 7.2
Game- Mahjong (game)
Studio- Gonzo, Picture Magic
Number of Episodes- 25
Saki is one of the best Japanese game anime where Saki Miyanaga, a talented Mahjong player, tries to hide her talent. One day, her friend, Kyoutarou Saga, invites her to the school’s mahjong club. She tries her first match against Nodoka, the previous year’s national champion but tries to hide her talent.
However, the club president, Hisa Takei, notices her unusual playing style and gives her a real ability test. After showing her abilities, she is selected for the club where she practices with others to win nationals.
3) Touhai Densetsu Akagi: Yami ni Maiorita Tensai-
IMDb Ratings- 7.8
Game- Mahjong (game)
Studio- Madhouse
Number of Episodes- 26
Akagi is one of the best Japanese Game psychological anime with a lot of mystery and suspense. The story begins around Nangou, who is in over three million yen debt. Now to save his life, he has to win a mahjong game. Suddenly, Akagi, a young boy, runs into him.
Instead of leaving him, he hands the game over to Akagi and teaches some rules. At that moment, he realizes that Akagi is a natural-born player. Therefore, Akagi is the only hope who can save Nangou’s life by winning the game.
2) Chihayafuru-
IMDb Ratings- 8.1
Game- Karuta (game)
Studio- Madhouse
Number of Episodes- 25
Chihayafuru is the most popular Japanese animated series that revolves around the Karuta game. The plot begins when Chihaya Ayase, a tom-boy girl, meets Arata Wataya, a quiet transfer student who is an expert in Karuta.
Arata teaches her Karuta that develops an interest in this game. Now, she, Arata, and Taichi Mashima, regularly practice to become the best player in Japan.
1) Hikaru no Go-
IMDb Ratings- 8.3
Game- Go (game)
Studio- Studio Pierrot
Number of Episodes- 75
Hikaru no Go is the best Japanese game anime. It displays an old Japanese Board game, Go. It has 75 episodes with comedy and supernatural as its genre. The story begins when Hikaru Shindo meets the spirit of Sai, a Go player from the Heian era while searching through his grandfather’s attic.
Sai’s ghost desire to attain the Divine Move, so he requests Hikaru to play along with him. Due to Sai’s help, Hikaru easily defeats Akira Toya, a professional Go player. Now, even Hikaru is taking an interest in the game. So, his journey will proceed.
Here, we conclude our article on “Best Japanese Traditional Game Anime.” We hope you like the ranking. You can watch these anime officially on Crunchyroll. We will be back with another post. Till then, stay tuned with us and read the articles below.
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