What this is
The Mahjong HOLIC Cup is a competitive riichi mahjong tournament held at Mahjong HOLIC's professional studio in Tokyo. Players compete across five rounds, with at least one match per participant broadcast live with professional commentary, replicating the production quality of televised professional mahjong. The event is live-streamed on YouTube and archived for later viewing, giving participants a genuine broadcast experience. Winners receive autographed merchandise from the professional guest commentators who provide match analysis throughout the day.
Who should go
This tournament is best suited to intermediate and advanced riichi mahjong players who want to experience competitive play in a professional broadcast setting. The atmosphere closely mirrors Japanese mahjong television programs, making it a dream scenario for dedicated fans of the game who want their matches commentated by professionals and preserved on video. It is not recommended for beginners or casual players, as participants should be fully comfortable with riichi mahjong rules and able to play confidently under cameras with live commentary. If you are a serious mahjong enthusiast visiting Tokyo, this is a rare chance to play in a studio-quality environment alongside Japanese professionals.
Good to know
Entry fees of ¥16,500 are likely payable at registration or via the venue's booking system — confirm payment method directly with Mahjong HOLIC, as smaller specialist venues in Tokyo often prefer cash or domestic payment methods, and foreign credit cards may not be accepted. The event is held at Mahjong HOLIC's professional studio, a boutique venue designed specifically for broadcast-quality mahjong production, so capacity is limited and the atmosphere is intimate. Your match will be broadcast live on YouTube with professional commentary, so be prepared to play on camera — this is part of the appeal but can be nerve-wracking for first-timers. Arrive at least 20–30 minutes before the noon start to complete any registration formalities and settle in before cameras go live.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.