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Cover of the game Rolling Japan

Rolling Japan

OKAZU Brand, Japon Brand · Board game · 2014
6.6 Ludopedia
6.3 BoardGameGeek
1–99 · best 3
Solo
15 min
Weight 1.5/5
Year 2014
Minimum age 8+
Buy
6.6 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BoardGameGeek
Buy
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Rolling Japan is the definition of a 'pick-up-and-play' game that never gets old. It is perfect for those who enjoy quick puzzles and want a game that scales to any number of people without slowing things down. The experience is tense in just the right way, forcing you to make quick decisions under pressure. It is an essential title for anyone who loves the roll-and-write mechanic.

Highlights
  • Fast and easy to learn
  • Scales to any player count
  • Portable and great for travel
  • Highly addictive and challenging
Keep in mind
  • Can feel a bit repetitive
  • Minimal player interaction
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Rolling Japan is the kind of game you can toss in your bag and take anywhere. It is a classic 'roll and write' where every player gets a map of Japan divided into 47 prefectures, grouped into six different colors. The dynamic is straightforward: someone draws dice from a bag and rolls them. The challenge is that every number must be written in a prefecture of the matching color. But don't think it's just about scribbling numbers! The golden rule is adjacency: neighboring numbers cannot have a difference greater than 1. If you can't fit the value, you end up with an unwanted 'X', and the goal is to have the fewest Xs on your map after eight rounds.

The game shines due to its accessibility. As a 'multiplayer solitaire' experience, you don't have to wait long for others; everyone plays at the same time, which keeps the pace snappy. The purple die is your best friend, acting as a wild card to save a tough round, but you also get three chances to change the color of a regular die throughout the game. It is a constant exercise in risk management and spatial optimization. If you enjoy quick games that fit on any table and make you think a little bit without frying your brain, Rolling Japan is a solid choice. It is the perfect game for a laid-back afternoon with friends or for passing the time alone while trying to beat your own high score.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

In English

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–99 players
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Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Dice Rolling Paper-and-Pencil

Categories

Dice Number Puzzle

Families

Country: Japan Mechanism: Roll-and-Write Series: Rolling (Hisashi Hayashi)
Publisher OKAZU Brand, Japon Brand
Designer Hisashi Hayashi
Artist Ryo Nyamo

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

649owners
228wishlist
37want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many people can play?
The game supports 1 to 99 players, as everyone plays on their own map simultaneously.
How long does a game take?
It is quite fast, usually around 15 minutes.
Do I need any prior knowledge?
None at all! The rules are simple and easy to explain in a few minutes.
Is the game very complex?
No, it has a low weight, making it ideal for beginners or as a 'filler' between heavier games.
Is there a lot of player interaction?
Practically none. It is a 'multiplayer solitaire' game where everyone focuses on their own map.
What happens if I can't place a number?
You must mark an 'X' in a prefecture of the matching color, which counts as a negative point at the end.

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