136 Ready-to-Use Mahjong Strategies and Tactics

”…What strikes me about this book, anyway, is the extreme clarity, focus, and conciseness with which Kurono conducts their miniature lessons. You gotta understand: riichi is pretty complex to write about. Every Japanese mahjong text I’ve ever read in translation has been dense at minimum. As such, the author’s simple and approachable style is a real achievement unto itself. Every page or two has Kurono zooming in on a single topic, often using practical examples of a plausible hand you might pull in a real match. The longest they’re ever on a subject is two pages, with most of these lessons taking only a single page.

Kurono’s straightforward approach is matched by the book’s English translation. English-language riichi strategy frequently expects the reader to have already memorized a thesaurus’ worth of mahjong jargon for even the simplest concepts, like a double-sided wait (ryanmen) or the player sitting across from you (toimen). Use enough riichi terminology in one sentence, and it ceases to be recognizable spoken language at all: after all, kamicha dealt into my jigokumachi kanchan riichi because he was pushing a bakahon too hard. Some of this is force of habit, some of it is otaku gatekeeping…”

Senba Kurono

Senba Kurono is one of Japan’s most celebrated Mahjong Virtual YouTubers (Vtubers) since her debut in 2018. She has built a dedicated following through her expert play, witty commentary, and approachable teaching style. On Japan’s most competitive online platforms, she has reached the top ranks, 9-dan on Tenhou and Celestial on Mahjong Soul, establishing her reputation as a world-class player.

Beyond streaming, Senba has become a trusted teacher and writer, with regular columns in various Mahjong magazines, publications, and multiple bestselling books that make advanced mahjong strategy clear and fun. Her playful, old-school speaking style has charmed thousands of players who look to her not just for instruction but for inspiration. With 136 Mahjong Techniques You Can Use Right Away, Senba Kurono brings her trademark mix of deep knowledge and friendly guidance to English-speaking readers for the first time, offering practical strategies that anyone can pick up and put into play immediately.

Harrison Doan

Harrison Doan is a translator and strategist dedicated to bringing the depth of Japanese riichi mahjong to English-speaking players. He specializes in adapting advanced Japanese strategy, theory, and instructional works into clear, practical resources for a global audience.

Harrison localizes complex tactical systems so they read naturally in English while preserving the precision, nuance, and voice of the original authors. His work includes major strategy titles such as 136 Ready-to-Use Mahjong Strategy and Tactics, where high-level concepts are made accessible without sacrificing their sophistication.

Known for a practical, player-first style, Harrison emphasizes actionable terminology and real-game decision making, helping English players engage directly with modern international competitive standards.

Working closely with top players, translators, and community leaders, he has helped shape emerging standards for English-language riichi mahjong education. His work transforms specialized Japanese knowledge into concise, usable learning tools that expand access to high-level strategy and support the growth of the global mahjong community.

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