Kawaijuku Group to Support High School Students in 'Mind Sport' Mahjong – Sponsoring the National High School Mahjong Championship
Kawaijuku Group has announced its sponsorship as an 'Educational Exploration Partner' for the National High School Mahjong Championship hosted by Asahi Shimbun. Aiming to support the growth of youth through mahjong's logical and strategic aspects, the group will introduce 'review sessions' and awards to visualize learning.
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- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 19:00
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Kawaijuku Group has decided to sponsor the 'National High School Mahjong Championship' (scheduled for July and August 2026), organized by The Asahi Shimbun Company, as an Educational Exploration Partner. Through this initiative, the group aims to support the growth of young people through mahjong as a mind sport.
■ Growing Popularity Among Teens as a Mind Sport
In recent years, mahjong has seen a significant surge in popularity among teenagers. The competitive population in this age group rose from 250,000 in 2018 to approximately 780,000 in 2023, a nearly threefold increase. This growth is driven by the recognition of mahjong's characteristics as a mind sport, requiring mathematical and logical thinking to optimize hand combinations, judgment to handle uncertain elements, and strategic skills for competing against four opponents. In 2017, it was officially recognized as an international mind sport.
■ Establishment of 'Mahjong Clubs' in High Schools
As of 2026, nearly 20 high schools across Japan, including Hyogo Prefectural Himeji Higashi and Kanagawa Prefectural Kishine and Fujisawa Sogo High Schools, have established clubs or circles dedicated to mahjong as a mind sport. Kawaijuku observed students growing together through reflection and discussion, identifying significant educational potential. However, overcoming old negative stereotypes and promoting the understanding of mahjong as a healthy mind sport remains a challenge.
■ Details of Initiatives
Kawaijuku Group will implement the following during the 2nd championship in July 2026:
- Sponsorship as an Educational Exploration Partner.
- Introduction of 'Post-game Review Sessions' and 'Critical Thinking Awards' to help visualize the learning process.
- Long-term continuous observation and empirical research utilizing high school club activities and practice sessions.
■ 2nd National High School Mahjong Championship Info
Organizer: The Asahi Shimbun Company
Regional Qualifiers: July 5–20, 2026 (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka)
National Finals: August 13–15, 2026 (Tokyo)
■ Growing Popularity Among Teens as a Mind Sport
In recent years, mahjong has seen a significant surge in popularity among teenagers. The competitive population in this age group rose from 250,000 in 2018 to approximately 780,000 in 2023, a nearly threefold increase. This growth is driven by the recognition of mahjong's characteristics as a mind sport, requiring mathematical and logical thinking to optimize hand combinations, judgment to handle uncertain elements, and strategic skills for competing against four opponents. In 2017, it was officially recognized as an international mind sport.
■ Establishment of 'Mahjong Clubs' in High Schools
As of 2026, nearly 20 high schools across Japan, including Hyogo Prefectural Himeji Higashi and Kanagawa Prefectural Kishine and Fujisawa Sogo High Schools, have established clubs or circles dedicated to mahjong as a mind sport. Kawaijuku observed students growing together through reflection and discussion, identifying significant educational potential. However, overcoming old negative stereotypes and promoting the understanding of mahjong as a healthy mind sport remains a challenge.
■ Details of Initiatives
Kawaijuku Group will implement the following during the 2nd championship in July 2026:
- Sponsorship as an Educational Exploration Partner.
- Introduction of 'Post-game Review Sessions' and 'Critical Thinking Awards' to help visualize the learning process.
- Long-term continuous observation and empirical research utilizing high school club activities and practice sessions.
■ 2nd National High School Mahjong Championship Info
Organizer: The Asahi Shimbun Company
Regional Qualifiers: July 5–20, 2026 (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka)
National Finals: August 13–15, 2026 (Tokyo)
FAQ
河合塾グループが麻雀大会に協賛する理由は何ですか？
麻雀を数学的・論理的思考や戦略性が求められる「頭脳スポーツ」と捉え、そこで育まれる知的スキルがこれからの社会を生き抜く子どもたちにとって重要な教育的可能性を持っていると考えたためです。
「全国高等学校麻雀選手権大会」での具体的な取り組みは何ですか？
「教育探究パートナー」として、高校生の思考プロセスや学びを可視化するために、対局後の「感想戦」や、優れた思考を示した選手を表彰する「思考力賞」を導入します。
第2回大会の日程と会場を教えてください。
地区予選は2026年7月5日から20日まで東京・大阪・福岡で開催され、全国大会は8月13日から15日まで東京会場で開催される予定です。
10代の麻雀競技人口はどのように推移していますか？
2018年の25万人から、2023年には約3倍の78万人に大きく増加しており、小中学生向けの教室やMリーグの影響で若年層への普及が進んでいます。
麻雀部を設立している高校はどのくらいありますか？
2026年現在、兵庫県立姫路東高校や神奈川県立岸根高校など、全国で20校弱の高校に頭脳スポーツ麻雀に取り組む部活動や同好会が設立されています。