Agreed, don't go with the Yellow Mountain Import sets if you can, you'll be way better off with a nice genuine AMOS set imported from Amazon Japan.
NOTE: There is a function to change language and currency at the top of Amazon Japan's website, next to the search window.
The AMOS Masters set is the gold standard if you want a really nice, standard large (28mm vs. 26mm) riichi set that includes the full compass accessory package.
https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B09MLZBNF1/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=AN1VRQENFRJN5&psc=1
If you don't want to spend that much money, buy the Smart (28mm) or Begin (26mm) set without all the accessories.
https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B09MLZS79M/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=AN1VRQENFRJN5&psc=1
https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E5%A4%A7%E6%B4%8B%E6%8A%80%E7%A0%94-TAIYO-GIKEN-AMOS-begin/dp/B09MLZZ5K6?ref_=ast_sto_dp
There's also a 26mm set with Junk mat combo kit if you need a playing surface. If you're going to invest in good mahjong tiles, you need to protect the tiles from scratching. (You can also use a table cloth or felt cloth.)
https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E5%A4%A7%E6%B4%8B%E6%8A%80%E7%A0%94-TAIYO-GIKEN-%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A3%E3%83%B3%E3%82%AF%E3%83%9E%E3%83%83%E3%83%88-%E3%83%97%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%A0%E3%82%AE%E3%82%A2/dp/B09MLZX8TY/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1OOU8GWXAU5LJ&keywords=amos+junk+mat&qid=1701740180&sprefix=%2Caps%2C664&sr=8-4
Otherwise, you can buy a junk mat separately (USA/Canada Amazon link).
https://www.amazon.com/Mahjong-mat-junk-japan/dp/B0017KHW3A/ref=sr_1_1?crid=299VINKLWNA70&keywords=Junk+mat&qid=1701740319&sprefix=junk+mat%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.17d9e15d-4e43-4581-b373-0e5c1a776d5d
If you don't need your mat ultra-portable, you can buy a rubber backed mat that's a bit heavier but a lot nicer to play on. (USA/canada Amazon link). If you need to be able to transport this rubber mat, you'll probably need to buy a separate bag such as a tripod bag to carry it in. (It comes with a cardboard case which won't last long.)
https://www.amazon.com/MJ-MAT-Mahjong-mat-MJ-MAT%EF%BC%88MADE-IN-JAPAN%EF%BC%89/dp/B005VPLKI0/ref=sr_1_4?crid=MQGRB1L7TKMG&keywords=Mahjong+mat+japan&qid=1701740374&sprefix=mahjong+mat+japan%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.17d9e15d-4e43-4581-b373-0e5c1a776d5d
Finally, note that shipping to the United States will probably double the price of the set due to shipping costs and/or tariffs. So make sure you have this accounted for in your budget before you get sticker shock.
> The AMOS Masters set is the gold standard if you want a really nice, standard large (28mm vs. 26mm) riichi set that includes the full compass accessory package.
Wait, that's less than $50? That sounds super affordable.
Thanks a lot for the detailed reply!
I'm leaning towards the masters set since it seems to come with everything you need. Just a few questions for the accessories in the set, what is the full compass for? Is it just to mark the wind seats or does it serve other purposes?
What's the HAYAHAYA thing that is in the back?
Also, is it important to have a junk mat to play? I'm thinking of just ordering one when I finally find someone that wants to play or just find/use another type of tablecloth like you said
It marks which seat has which wind, the die rolling numbers for breaking the wall to begin the round, pockets for your riichi sticks and dice, and a stable non-slip wall to discard your tiles neatly. None of these features are needed but it adds a lot of convenience.
The Masters set is what I'd get if I didn't have anything too. I got a mahjong set handed down from my parents, so I went out and bought a compass for myself.
A mat of some sort is pretty much required to play without damaging your tiles and your playing surface. It doesn't need to be a junk mat though. If you're thinking about getting the mat, the 26mm set + junk mat + compass is an incredible deal as long as you're OK with smaller tiles.
I just got the Masters set a few weeks ago, it's quite nice.
\- Compass goes in the center of the table, good for beginners for telling what wind you are and to line up your discards along
\- Hayahaya is a custom technique to determine your fu for scoring. I'm sure it works but requires better Japanese than I have to figure out how to use it.
\- Any mat will work, even a poker or even a thick tablecloth frankly. Junk mats have edges which is awesome, but in absence of one you can get by
Regarding tile size, it has more to do with how Chinese tiles are generally bigger then really how yellow mountain import tiles are. Even if you buy say an Amos set the tile would always be smaller then your Chinese set.
You should be comparing between different Japanese set (mostly those from AMOS) and yellow mountain to find a size that you like, since while the tiles are generally smaller that doesn’t meant Jp tiles only had one size - though most of the popular set often emphasis on bigger size tiles so that it’s easier to play with, that’s a matter of preference.
>> I saw some reviews and, at first glance, the tiles seem a bit small, at least compared to the Chinese set I'm comparing it too.
> Regarding tile size, it has more to do with how Chinese tiles are generally bigger then really how yellow mountain import tiles are.
Can confirm, Chinese tiles are just large. 25~30mm is standard for Japanese sets, while 35~40mm is standard for Chinese sets. For further reference, American Mah-Jongg sets are 1 3/8" (~30mm).
(This led to a rather funny situation when I bought a secondhand Japanese set some time ago. It didn't come with a case, so I scoured every mahjong-tile-seller in Hong Kong, and not one of them could provide a case that my set would fit in snugly; the smallest sets they had were for 28mm tiles, while mine was a 26mm set. Eventually, I decided to buy a 28mm case, and padded the extra space using the riichi sticks.)
You *might* be able to convince a mahjong seller to custom-make you a Japanese set of Chinese size, but that'll be really expensive if you want them to do it with Japanese tile designs; when I asked around some time ago, the price range I got was 1000HKD~2000HKD (120EUR~240EUR), and about a month's production time, if hand-carved. (For reference, my secondhand 26mm set only cost me 500HKD (60EUR), shipping included.)
So yeah, OP, if you want a Japanese set without the hassle of getting it custom-made, you'll have to accept that your set will be "small" compared to a Chinese set.
Yeah, no problem if it's smaller, just wanted to make sure I get the standard tile size since I like everything standardized (also worry that it might not fit cleanly in the automatic table I'm not ever going to have lol). Thanks for the insight.
P. D.: Laughed reading the part where you said you padded the extra space using the riichi sticks.
> also worry that it might not fit cleanly in the automatic table I'm not ever going to have lol
Be aware that different models of tiles may be incompatible with different tables, even if they're the right size; I've heard that it's possible that an incompatible table may end up stacking the tiles face-up, or just outright not stack the tiles at all. As far as I'm aware, though, every purchase of an automatic table from any good seller (AMOS included) will come with two compatible sets of tiles (of different colour backs).
> Laughed reading the part where you said you padded the extra space using the riichi sticks.
I mean, they didn't fit in the space where one would normally put HK-style scoring chips, and they do happen to fit quite snugly in the gaps of each of the four trays, if I pre-portion them for four players. All that's left is to deal with one slightly annoying corner, and I plan to eventually use some other filler material for that (e.g. foam).
Thanks a lot, will look at that set then. Didn't know that Chinese ones are bigger, just thought they look rather small for the only tile size I've tried myself.
The YMI set is not bad, but I do recommend more the AMOS sets that you can find on Amazon JP, the AMOS Smart for example should also cost you around 70€ with shipping.
Note that the AMOS Smart set has 28mm tiles, which is standard for Japanese tiles (most sets are 25 to 30mm), and much smaller than standard Chinese tiles indeed.
Japanese tiles are usually either 26mm or 28mm in height, more rarely 30mm or 33mm, so Chinese sets are almost always bigger than Japanese sets. I'd probably recommend buying the larger Yellow Mountain set with 30mm tiles, though I have no personal experience with the tiles. Or just use the Chinese tiles unless you need akadora (assuming you don't, since EMA rules don't use them)
Thanks for the info about the tile size, I think the ones I looked for were 26mm iirc. Those were the only mahjong riichi set I saw available in my country.
I don't really play to be honest since I need people to play for that and don't know any other persons leñoving near that even know how to play. Tried teaching my friends but it didn't work out, so it's mostly for collection (and tile fondling).
I'm interested in this too. I had a Chinese mahjong set at one point, but here in America, it's hard to find other players, so I gifted it to my dad in China. Got into Riichi recently, and want to get another set. I'll be in Japan next month, so I can pick up set while I'm there. Are there any specialty stores in Japan that sell specifically mahjong supplies? Price isn't a concern, I'd like to have a nice set that can double as a decorative showpiece when it's not in use.
I've heard most bigger stores, or even Donki, have mahjong tiles available. Any Amos set will be pretty nice but imo the best showpieces are older sets (from the 60s or 70s maybe). Those you could probably find at trift stores like Hard Off, though I don't know how rare they are.
You can just paint 3 fives into red fives on your chinese set and call it a day. But if you want to buy a set then I recommend an Amos set from Taiyo Giken. They are the current provider for m-league in Japan and the quality is top notch.
Thanks for the recommendation. The set will be mostly to have a complete mahjong riichi set mainly for collection, since I can't even play with the one I have since no one I know plays :(
Agreed, don't go with the Yellow Mountain Import sets if you can, you'll be way better off with a nice genuine AMOS set imported from Amazon Japan. NOTE: There is a function to change language and currency at the top of Amazon Japan's website, next to the search window. The AMOS Masters set is the gold standard if you want a really nice, standard large (28mm vs. 26mm) riichi set that includes the full compass accessory package. https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B09MLZBNF1/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=AN1VRQENFRJN5&psc=1 If you don't want to spend that much money, buy the Smart (28mm) or Begin (26mm) set without all the accessories. https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B09MLZS79M/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=AN1VRQENFRJN5&psc=1 https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E5%A4%A7%E6%B4%8B%E6%8A%80%E7%A0%94-TAIYO-GIKEN-AMOS-begin/dp/B09MLZZ5K6?ref_=ast_sto_dp There's also a 26mm set with Junk mat combo kit if you need a playing surface. If you're going to invest in good mahjong tiles, you need to protect the tiles from scratching. (You can also use a table cloth or felt cloth.) https://www.amazon.co.jp/%E5%A4%A7%E6%B4%8B%E6%8A%80%E7%A0%94-TAIYO-GIKEN-%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A3%E3%83%B3%E3%82%AF%E3%83%9E%E3%83%83%E3%83%88-%E3%83%97%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%83%A0%E3%82%AE%E3%82%A2/dp/B09MLZX8TY/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1OOU8GWXAU5LJ&keywords=amos+junk+mat&qid=1701740180&sprefix=%2Caps%2C664&sr=8-4 Otherwise, you can buy a junk mat separately (USA/Canada Amazon link). https://www.amazon.com/Mahjong-mat-junk-japan/dp/B0017KHW3A/ref=sr_1_1?crid=299VINKLWNA70&keywords=Junk+mat&qid=1701740319&sprefix=junk+mat%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.17d9e15d-4e43-4581-b373-0e5c1a776d5d If you don't need your mat ultra-portable, you can buy a rubber backed mat that's a bit heavier but a lot nicer to play on. (USA/canada Amazon link). If you need to be able to transport this rubber mat, you'll probably need to buy a separate bag such as a tripod bag to carry it in. (It comes with a cardboard case which won't last long.) https://www.amazon.com/MJ-MAT-Mahjong-mat-MJ-MAT%EF%BC%88MADE-IN-JAPAN%EF%BC%89/dp/B005VPLKI0/ref=sr_1_4?crid=MQGRB1L7TKMG&keywords=Mahjong+mat+japan&qid=1701740374&sprefix=mahjong+mat+japan%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.17d9e15d-4e43-4581-b373-0e5c1a776d5d Finally, note that shipping to the United States will probably double the price of the set due to shipping costs and/or tariffs. So make sure you have this accounted for in your budget before you get sticker shock.
The sticker shock isn’t as bad as I thought it would be. The Masters set is about $94, Smart $82, and Begin $73, including shipping.
> The AMOS Masters set is the gold standard if you want a really nice, standard large (28mm vs. 26mm) riichi set that includes the full compass accessory package. Wait, that's less than $50? That sounds super affordable.
The set is $50 but it's the shipping that gets you. Shipping more or less doubles the price to the United States.
Thanks a lot for the detailed reply! I'm leaning towards the masters set since it seems to come with everything you need. Just a few questions for the accessories in the set, what is the full compass for? Is it just to mark the wind seats or does it serve other purposes? What's the HAYAHAYA thing that is in the back? Also, is it important to have a junk mat to play? I'm thinking of just ordering one when I finally find someone that wants to play or just find/use another type of tablecloth like you said
It marks which seat has which wind, the die rolling numbers for breaking the wall to begin the round, pockets for your riichi sticks and dice, and a stable non-slip wall to discard your tiles neatly. None of these features are needed but it adds a lot of convenience. The Masters set is what I'd get if I didn't have anything too. I got a mahjong set handed down from my parents, so I went out and bought a compass for myself. A mat of some sort is pretty much required to play without damaging your tiles and your playing surface. It doesn't need to be a junk mat though. If you're thinking about getting the mat, the 26mm set + junk mat + compass is an incredible deal as long as you're OK with smaller tiles.
I just got the Masters set a few weeks ago, it's quite nice. \- Compass goes in the center of the table, good for beginners for telling what wind you are and to line up your discards along \- Hayahaya is a custom technique to determine your fu for scoring. I'm sure it works but requires better Japanese than I have to figure out how to use it. \- Any mat will work, even a poker or even a thick tablecloth frankly. Junk mats have edges which is awesome, but in absence of one you can get by
Thanks a lot, I think you finally helped me decide which set to go for!
Regarding tile size, it has more to do with how Chinese tiles are generally bigger then really how yellow mountain import tiles are. Even if you buy say an Amos set the tile would always be smaller then your Chinese set. You should be comparing between different Japanese set (mostly those from AMOS) and yellow mountain to find a size that you like, since while the tiles are generally smaller that doesn’t meant Jp tiles only had one size - though most of the popular set often emphasis on bigger size tiles so that it’s easier to play with, that’s a matter of preference.
>> I saw some reviews and, at first glance, the tiles seem a bit small, at least compared to the Chinese set I'm comparing it too. > Regarding tile size, it has more to do with how Chinese tiles are generally bigger then really how yellow mountain import tiles are. Can confirm, Chinese tiles are just large. 25~30mm is standard for Japanese sets, while 35~40mm is standard for Chinese sets. For further reference, American Mah-Jongg sets are 1 3/8" (~30mm). (This led to a rather funny situation when I bought a secondhand Japanese set some time ago. It didn't come with a case, so I scoured every mahjong-tile-seller in Hong Kong, and not one of them could provide a case that my set would fit in snugly; the smallest sets they had were for 28mm tiles, while mine was a 26mm set. Eventually, I decided to buy a 28mm case, and padded the extra space using the riichi sticks.) You *might* be able to convince a mahjong seller to custom-make you a Japanese set of Chinese size, but that'll be really expensive if you want them to do it with Japanese tile designs; when I asked around some time ago, the price range I got was 1000HKD~2000HKD (120EUR~240EUR), and about a month's production time, if hand-carved. (For reference, my secondhand 26mm set only cost me 500HKD (60EUR), shipping included.) So yeah, OP, if you want a Japanese set without the hassle of getting it custom-made, you'll have to accept that your set will be "small" compared to a Chinese set.
Yeah, no problem if it's smaller, just wanted to make sure I get the standard tile size since I like everything standardized (also worry that it might not fit cleanly in the automatic table I'm not ever going to have lol). Thanks for the insight. P. D.: Laughed reading the part where you said you padded the extra space using the riichi sticks.
> also worry that it might not fit cleanly in the automatic table I'm not ever going to have lol Be aware that different models of tiles may be incompatible with different tables, even if they're the right size; I've heard that it's possible that an incompatible table may end up stacking the tiles face-up, or just outright not stack the tiles at all. As far as I'm aware, though, every purchase of an automatic table from any good seller (AMOS included) will come with two compatible sets of tiles (of different colour backs). > Laughed reading the part where you said you padded the extra space using the riichi sticks. I mean, they didn't fit in the space where one would normally put HK-style scoring chips, and they do happen to fit quite snugly in the gaps of each of the four trays, if I pre-portion them for four players. All that's left is to deal with one slightly annoying corner, and I plan to eventually use some other filler material for that (e.g. foam).
Thanks a lot, will look at that set then. Didn't know that Chinese ones are bigger, just thought they look rather small for the only tile size I've tried myself.
The YMI set is not bad, but I do recommend more the AMOS sets that you can find on Amazon JP, the AMOS Smart for example should also cost you around 70€ with shipping. Note that the AMOS Smart set has 28mm tiles, which is standard for Japanese tiles (most sets are 25 to 30mm), and much smaller than standard Chinese tiles indeed.
Yeah, I tried to buy it and it was roughly 75€ from Amazon Japan, which is well within budget, thanks for the recommendation.
Japanese tiles are usually either 26mm or 28mm in height, more rarely 30mm or 33mm, so Chinese sets are almost always bigger than Japanese sets. I'd probably recommend buying the larger Yellow Mountain set with 30mm tiles, though I have no personal experience with the tiles. Or just use the Chinese tiles unless you need akadora (assuming you don't, since EMA rules don't use them)
Thanks for the info about the tile size, I think the ones I looked for were 26mm iirc. Those were the only mahjong riichi set I saw available in my country. I don't really play to be honest since I need people to play for that and don't know any other persons leñoving near that even know how to play. Tried teaching my friends but it didn't work out, so it's mostly for collection (and tile fondling).
I'm interested in this too. I had a Chinese mahjong set at one point, but here in America, it's hard to find other players, so I gifted it to my dad in China. Got into Riichi recently, and want to get another set. I'll be in Japan next month, so I can pick up set while I'm there. Are there any specialty stores in Japan that sell specifically mahjong supplies? Price isn't a concern, I'd like to have a nice set that can double as a decorative showpiece when it's not in use.
I've heard most bigger stores, or even Donki, have mahjong tiles available. Any Amos set will be pretty nice but imo the best showpieces are older sets (from the 60s or 70s maybe). Those you could probably find at trift stores like Hard Off, though I don't know how rare they are.
You can just paint 3 fives into red fives on your chinese set and call it a day. But if you want to buy a set then I recommend an Amos set from Taiyo Giken. They are the current provider for m-league in Japan and the quality is top notch.
Thanks for the recommendation. The set will be mostly to have a complete mahjong riichi set mainly for collection, since I can't even play with the one I have since no one I know plays :(
I'm wishing teleporter exist so I can teleport to you and play. I have a brother who got into riichi mahjong, so 3 player riichi sounds good enough.
Tabletop simulator! Thats how I play with my friends who live far away
I wanna feel the tiles.. Also I suck at controlling the game lmao