The Joy of Sugoroku: A Family Board Game! Complete Guide to History, Types, How to Play, and DIY Ideas

Sugoroku is a traditional board game that parents and children can enjoy together. With simple rules of rolling dice and moving game pieces, children and adults can play together. It’s not just about luck, but also strategy and communication, making it perfect for deepening family connections.
This article explains in detail the history and types of Sugoroku, basic rules, and DIY ideas that parents and children can create together.

What is Sugoroku? Introduction to Its History and Appeal

Sugoroku is a traditional Japanese board game where players roll dice and move pieces in a simple gameplay. It combines elements of strategy and luck, making it enjoyable for people of all ages from children to adults.

Sugoroku has two main types: “Ban-Sugoroku” (board Sugoroku) and “E-Sugoroku” (picture Sugoroku), each with different characteristics.
Its history is extremely old, with similar games developing not only in Japan but around the world. Let’s take a closer look at the history and development of Sugoroku.

Ban-Sugoroku (Board Sugoroku)

Ban-Sugoroku involves moving multiple black and white pieces to capture territory, which is completely different from what we typically imagine as Sugoroku today.
Players are divided into two sides, black and white, and move 15 pieces on the board according to the roll of two dice. The winner is the one who moves all their pieces from their home position to the opponent’s side first.
Ban-Sugoroku was popular among the aristocracy from the 5th-6th centuries but fell out of fashion during the Edo period.
Today, Ban-Sugoroku barely survives as part of Hina doll sets, and can otherwise only be seen in Backgammon, a game of the same origin that developed after being brought to Europe from India.

E-Sugoroku (Picture Sugoroku)

E-Sugoroku is said to have originated from “Buppo Sugoroku” (Buddhist Sugoroku) that appeared in the early Edo period, reportedly used by monks to teach Buddhist doctrines to their disciples in an easy-to-understand way.
It features a single sheet of paper with illustrations, divided into spaces where players aim to move from “Furidashi” (Start) to “Agari” (Goal). E-Sugoroku has two main formats: “Mawari-Sugoroku” (Circular Sugoroku) and “Tobi-Sugoroku” (Jumping Sugoroku), each with different ways of moving pieces.
After the Meiji era, E-Sugoroku spread throughout Japan through mechanical printing and became popular as supplements in boys’, girls’, and women’s magazines.

History and Development of Sugoroku

The origins of Sugoroku date back to ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire. It traveled to China via the Silk Road and reached Japanese aristocratic society during the Tempyo period (around the 8th century). “Ban-Sugoroku” was the first to spread and became popular among the aristocracy. However, due to its strong gambling elements, it was repeatedly banned and eventually fell out of use during the Edo period.

“Buppo Sugoroku” appeared in the early Edo period, marking the beginning of E-Sugoroku. This was used by monks to teach Buddhist doctrines to their disciples in an easy-to-understand way. As popular culture flourished, various types of E-Sugoroku such as “Dochu Sugoroku” (Travel Sugoroku) and “Meisho Sugoroku” (Famous Places Sugoroku) were created, eventually becoming established as New Year’s entertainment for women and children.

After the Meiji era, with the development of printing technology, Sugoroku became more diverse and was often provided as supplements in children’s magazines. It is said that Sugoroku declined after World War II due to the diversification of play activities and social changes. However, many of today’s board games and video games use dice (or roulettes as substitutes) to progress through the game, which can be considered as evolved and developed forms of Sugoroku.

How to Play Sugoroku and Its Rules

Sugoroku can be enjoyed by a wide range of generations from children to adults thanks to its simple rules. However, the optimal rules and variations differ depending on the age and number of players.

Here, we’ll introduce basic rules and necessary preparations, as well as recommended play styles by age and rule variations to make the game more exciting with family and friends.

Basic Rules and What to Prepare

To play Sugoroku, prepare the following items:

• Sugoroku board (store-bought or homemade)
• Dice (one for E-Sugoroku, two for Ban-Sugoroku)
• Game pieces (one per player for E-Sugoroku, 15 per player for Ban-Sugoroku)

The basic rule is that players take turns rolling the dice and move their pieces according to the number rolled, with the first player to reach the goal being the winner. In E-Sugoroku, players must follow the instructions written on each space, such as “Go back X spaces” or “Roll again,” which adds excitement to the game.

In Ban-Sugoroku, players move their pieces according to the dice roll and can capture opponent’s pieces, adding strategic elements to the game.

Recommended Play Styles by Age

Sugoroku can become a more fun and educational game by adapting rules and play styles according to age. Here are suitable play styles for different age groups.

For Young Children (3-6 years old)

For young children to enjoy the game, it’s important to choose simple rules and games that can be completed in a short time.

• Use only one die
• Utilize picture Sugoroku
• Choose games that finish quickly

For young children, using just one die helps them practice counting and makes the game easier to understand. Using illustrated Sugoroku boards allows for visual enjoyment, enabling parents and children to communicate while playing.

Also, choosing games that finish in about 10-15 minutes matches a young child’s attention span, allowing them to enjoy the game without getting bored.

For Elementary School Children (7-12 years old)

At this age, incorporating mathematical learning elements or knowledge-deepening games allows children to learn while having fun.

• Use two dice
• Utilize educational Sugoroku or quiz Sugoroku
• Choose Sugoroku with storylines

Using two dice and moving according to addition or multiplication helps develop calculation skills. Furthermore, using Sugoroku themed around history, geography, or English vocabulary increases educational effectiveness while playing.

Incorporating story-based Sugoroku can also captivate children’s attention and allow them to use their imagination while playing.

In this way, Sugoroku, while a simple game, can become a game that deepens learning, strategy, and communication by adding age-appropriate modifications. Enjoy playing with family and friends using rules appropriate for each age group.

3 Recommended Rule Variations to Make the Game More Exciting with Family and Friends

It’s also recommended to vary the rules to make Sugoroku more exciting.

Point System Rules

Rather than just reaching the goal, set points for specific spaces along the way and compete based on the final score. For example, creating rules where additional points can be earned by landing on certain spaces adds more strategy to the game.

Mission-Based Sugoroku

Add missions to spaces such as “Do 5 push-ups” or “Name your favorite food” to enjoy it as a party game. This adds movement and conversation to the game, increasing excitement.

Reverse Movement Rules

Add a handicap where players must move backward if they land on certain spaces. This makes the game’s progression unpredictable and adds thrills.

With just a few rule changes, the ways to play Sugoroku can expand infinitely. It might be fun to think of original rules with family and friends.

Tips for Enjoying Sugoroku

Sugoroku can become a more enjoyable and profound game by varying how it’s played, despite its simple rules. Knowing key points for playing with children, methods for incorporating educational elements, and ways for adults to enjoy the game can lead to more fulfilling time spent together.

Here, we’ll introduce tips for enjoying Sugoroku more, including modifications when playing with children, points for deepening learning, and variations for adults.

Tips for Playing with Children

When playing Sugoroku with children, it’s important to modify rules and presentation to keep them engaged. Making rules simple or adding storylines can make the game more captivating.

Use Only One Die

Using just one die simplifies the game to moving pieces according to the number rolled. This helps children practice counting and makes the game easier for young children to play.

Reduce Complex Instructions

When including instructions on spaces such as “Go back X spaces” or “Roll again,” keeping them relatively simple allows for more intuitive play.

Utilize Picture Sugoroku

By setting up characters and incorporating themes like “adventure” or “errands,” Sugoroku can be enjoyed not just as a board game but as a story.

Incorporate Themes Children Like

Creating original Sugoroku with themes that interest children, such as animals, fairy tales, or space, makes the game more enjoyable.

Prepare Small Rewards for Reaching the Goal

Preparing small rewards like stickers or snacks for completing the game encourages children to actively want to play.

Add Challenge Elements to Spaces

Adding simple quizzes or challenges such as “Earn points if you can do XX!” keeps children engaged throughout the game.

Sugoroku becomes a more enjoyable game by keeping rules simple while adding elements that excite children. Using original Sugoroku created together with your child can make the experience even more memorable.

Points for Enhancing Educational Effects

Sugoroku is an educational game that can develop various abilities in children while they play. Below are specific effects and tips for enhancement.

Developing Numerical and Calculation Skills

In Sugoroku, children naturally become familiar with numbers as they move their pieces according to the dice roll. Furthermore, by incorporating rules where they move according to addition or subtraction of dice rolls, calculation skills can be developed. For example, using two dice and moving according to their sum, or solving simple calculation problems when landing on certain spaces.

Enhancing Vocabulary and Expression Skills

When instructions like “Go back 3 spaces” or “Skip one turn” are written on the Sugoroku spaces, children have more opportunities to read text, leading to vocabulary improvement. Also, preparing quizzes or riddles for each space and creating rules where players can advance if they answer correctly helps improve language comprehension and expression skills. Additionally, creating story-based Sugoroku and asking children “What do you think happens next?” helps develop imagination and expression skills.

Developing Skills to Follow Rules and Wait for Turns

As Sugoroku is a game played with multiple people, it can foster social skills and cooperation such as taking turns and following rules. Learning social skills like “waiting for your turn” and “following rules” through games is valuable. Also, by emphasizing “completing the game to the end” to develop an attitude of enjoying the game even when losing, patience and responsibility can be fostered.

In this way, by utilizing Sugoroku not just as a game but as a learning opportunity, it can contribute to children’s growth. Why not incorporate Sugoroku at home or in educational settings?

What Benefits Can Be Gained Through Sugoroku?

Sugoroku is not just a game but has effects that develop various intellectual and social skills. Even within the simple rules of rolling dice and moving pieces, elements that require plannability and strategy, or that create communication with family and friends, are included.

Especially for children, it can be utilized in many ways as part of learning, making it a game with high educational value. Here, let’s take a closer look at the specific benefits gained through Sugoroku.

Improvement of Logical Thinking and Planning Skills

In Sugoroku, beyond just moving according to dice rolls, there are situations requiring decisions such as which route to choose or when to make a move. The appeal is that children can develop their “thinking skills” while playing.

Developing Foresight

In Sugoroku, by thinking about the next move as you progress, habits of thinking like “What happens if I stop on this space?” or “How can I advance further?” are formed. The ability to act planfully develops naturally through play.

Experience in Thinking Before Acting

In competitive Sugoroku, thinking increases about “when to make a strategic move” or “how to predict an opponent’s movements.” While having fun, strategic planning skills also develop.

Practice in Making the Best Decision from Options

Some types of Sugoroku allow players to choose their path. By gaining experience in considering “Which route is better to choose?” decision-making skills are honed.

Especially in games with added strategic elements like “Ban-Sugoroku,” playing requires thinking about “how to progress advantageously.” Such experiences connect to “the ability to think and act” in school studies and daily life.

Effect of Deepening Parent-Child Communication

Sugoroku is one of the activities that parents and children can enjoy together, increasing conversation and providing opportunities to deepen relationships. Beyond just moving according to dice rolls and rules, various interactions arise with each roll.

Reasons Sugoroku Helps Parent-Child Communication

• Simple rules allow playing with even young children
• Conversations like “What will happen next?” increase parent-child interactions
• Many opportunities for encouragement and praise lead to building positive relationships

Additionally, creating homemade Sugoroku together offers the joy of thinking about and designing the game itself. Especially when children create original spaces they’ve thought of themselves, creativity can be fostered while playing.

Summary

Sugoroku is a traditional Japanese board game that continues to be enjoyed by a wide range of generations in modern times. Despite simple rules of rolling dice and moving pieces, it has strategic elements and educational value, making it an ideal game for parents and children or friends to play together.

Sugoroku can be utilized not only as a traditional game but also as a tool for deepening learning and interaction. Please experience the fun of Sugoroku with your family and friends!