Mahjong is a tabletop game that carries the rich history and cultural traditions of East Asia. As it spread, due to cultural and geographical barriers, diverse rules developed in various countries and regions (such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, different parts of China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.). Although the rules differ slightly, they are easily interchangeable, allowing people from different linguistic, cultural, and ideological backgrounds to play together at the same table. At the mahjong table, differences such as conflicts, nationalities, political stances, and ideologies temporarily melt away, and a common language is found.
Mahjong Friends was thus founded, hoping to promote understanding and exchange among people across East Asia through mahjong, a game full of political metaphors, and to discuss complex history and the current tense political situation.
As its first publication, "Mahjong: an International Manual" uses humorous text and vivid illustrations to introduce basic rules and the cultural stories behind the tile patterns, and includes a mahjong history poster and a small cheat sheet. This cool yet profound mahjong manual harbors the ideal of making friends through cards and bringing peace to the world.
