What is "Healthy Mahjong"?

Healthy Mahjong is a form of Mahjong played with an emphasis on mental stimulation and social interaction, rather than competitive gambling. It is often promoted as an activity to help maintain cognitive functions like judgment, concentration, and memory, and to foster social connections among players.

Who was surveyed about Healthy Mahjong?

The survey was conducted among members of the "Reader's Conference," a community associated with the Asahi Shimbun ReLife Project, which targets individuals aged 50 and over. The responses were primarily from people in their 50s to 70s.

What are the main expectations people have for Healthy Mahjong?

The primary expectations are related to cognitive benefits, specifically using and improving judgment, concentration, and memory. Additionally, many people see it as a valuable opportunity for social interaction and making new friends.

What are the barriers preventing people from participating in Healthy Mahjong?

The main barrier identified is a lack of understanding of the rules, with a significant portion of respondents stating they are completely unfamiliar with them. This suggests a need for more accessible introductions and explanations of the game.

How aware are people of Healthy Mahjong?

Awareness is moderate. While 61.8% of respondents knew about Healthy Mahjong, a substantial 38.2% did not. However, interest is high, with nearly 80% expressing some level of interest.

"Healthy Mahjong" Sparks Interest in 80%, Experienced by 10%: Expectations for "Brain Health" and "Building Connections"

Published Mar 30, 2026 8:00 PM ・ Updated Jun 2, 2026 1:01 PM ・ 5 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

A survey by the Asahi Shimbun ReLife Reader's Conference reveals high interest in "Healthy Mahjong" but also identifies barriers to participation.

The "Asahi Shimbun ReLife Project," a media and community for individuals aged 50 and over operated by The Asahi Shimbun Company (CEO: Katsuhito Tsunoda), conducted a survey on awareness and actual conditions related to "Healthy Mahjong." The survey showed a high level of interest, with 61.8% of respondents stating they were "aware" of Healthy Mahjong, and 78.3% expressing "very interested" or "somewhat interested." Among those interested, expectations were particularly high for aspects related to brain function, with judgment, concentration, and memory being the most frequently selected. On the other hand, only 11.4% reported "actually participating" in Healthy Mahjong, and a significant portion, 37.6%, admitted to "not knowing the rules at all," highlighting a lack of understanding as a barrier to participation.

The survey was conducted from September to October 2025 among members of the ReLife Project's community, the "Reader's Conference," with 932 responses primarily from individuals in their 50s to 70s. The survey aimed to explore the interests and expectations of "ReLife Reader's Conference members," who enjoy the latter half of life in their own way, regarding Healthy Mahjong.

(1) 61.8% "Know" About "Healthy Mahjong," 78.3% are "Interested"

61.8% of respondents answered that they "know" about Healthy Mahjong. Conversely, 38.2% "did not know," indicating that while there is some recognition, there is still room for greater penetration. Regarding interest, 30.9% were "very interested" and 47.4% were "somewhat interested," totaling 78.3% who expressed interest.

Are you interested in Healthy Mahjong?

(2) Background of Interest: Expectations for "Judgment, Concentration, Memory" - Value as a Place for Social Interaction Also Emerges

A total of 730 respondents answered "very interested" or "somewhat interested" in Healthy Mahjong. Among the expected benefits (multiple answers allowed), "using judgment" (571 people), "using concentration" (489 people), and "using memory" (476 people) ranked high. "Helping to make friends" (394 people) was also frequently cited, highlighting its aspect as a place for social interaction where new connections with neighbors can be formed.

What do you expect from Healthy Mahjong?

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Source: PR TIMES
Category: News

"Healthy Mahjong" Sparks Interest in 80%, Experienced by 10%: Expectations for "Brain Health" and "Building Connections"

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