Collection: Japanese Mahjong

What to Know Before You Buy

Two things to check before buying any vintage set. First, completeness. A riichi set plays with 136 tiles, and our listings state the exact count. Second, red fives (aka dora). Many players will not buy without them, so we confirm and photograph them explicitly. Sets may show age related wear on tile faces, photographed up close. Please review each listing's photos, tile count, and condition notes before purchase. Each set is individually inspected, condition checked, and shipped from New York.

How many tiles come in a complete set?

Japanese vintage sets often come with 144 tiles. That includes the 136 playing tiles plus extras like season tiles, flower tiles, red fives, and spare white dragons. Some sets carry 4 spare white dragons, others carry 2 red fives and 2 whites. Our listings state the exact tile count for each set, and we photograph the full set. We only sell complete sets. Incomplete sets are not listed.

Does it include red fives (aka dora)?

Many players will not buy a set without them. We confirm and photograph the red fives explicitly, so check the listing.

What size and material are the tiles?

Vintage Japanese tiles follow the traditional Japanese size, which is smaller than American and Chinese tiles and easier to carry. Bamboo back, bone, and plastic are all common. Each listing gives the exact tile size and material, so please check before buying.

Can I use a Japanese 136 tile set for other mahjong styles?

It depends on who you play with. Japanese riichi players: yes, this is the direct match. Chinese and Hong Kong players: partially, many variants use flower tiles, though some groups agree to play without them. Collectors: yes, era, material, and completeness matter most. American Mah Jongg players: no, American sets require 8 flower tiles and 8 jokers that Japanese sets do not have. One overlooked market: American riichi players are often a better fit for Japanese bamboo sets than traditional American Mah Jongg players.

What accessories are included besides the tiles?

Common accessories are dice, scoring sticks (tenbou), a wind indicator, and the case. Each listing has a full accessory list, so please check.

Each item is individually photographed, condition checked, and shipped from New York.

Updated October 2026