http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20090120i1.html

The exams are just as necessary for getting into university, but it only remains similarly competitive to 10-20 years ago in the absolute top schools.

The only westerners in video game mahjong are Jenn and Garthe, the two American pros in Renmei (the Konami Fight club one). They run a site at http://www.reachmahjong.com that is well worth checking out (join the Forum).

I’ve never asked if I could take a pro test. I’d imagine most of the groups would let me, but who knows, and who knows if I’d pass. I’d prefer to be like Ryan (the first American in the MJ world) and try not to affiliate with any of the organizations so as to keep good relations with everyone. There’s a lot of bad blood in the MJ world over here, unfortunately.

Get that stuff up on Youtube ASAP!

Are you a registered pro on Kakuto Kurabu or the Sega one? This is fascinating.

Wow, you really do know a lot about the Mahjong world.

I was actually on Mondo21 last season. I had my own little corner where I would interview pros and ask them embarrassing questions. I got a DVD from the producer, now all I have to do is figure out how to get them up on youtube so my friends and family can see me making a fool of myself. You can google ベンジャミン and 麻雀 and read the 2ch threads where they make fun of my accent. I swear that was the best part of the experience.

Ain’t that the truth. I’ve been letting computers and other people do it for me for too long. I DO however, feel that “tsumo” is just more badass because people who get tense about “ron” let their mental guard down and end up even more shocked. That’s Mahjong for ya.

“I really wish I could write as freely as the folks here (and in the Japan blogosphere in general) but I suppose that’s just something I’ll have to work on.”

While I Mahjong book in English may be a bit obscure for the mass market, I can imagine that a 外人麻雀放浪記 would have a huge novelty factor in Japan – might even get you on Mondo21. Will save the rest for email.

You sir, are very well read indeed.

“We can talk about your ideas here in public (as we may attract the many other Mahjong junkies that I am sure lurk around the dark underbelly of academia) or you can get my contact info from Roy.”

Thanks! I’ve e-mailed roy asking for your info. To quickly summarize both papers, the first one argues that the fall of Mahjong reflects the fall of hegemonic masculinity in Japan as reflected in Mahjong media. The second paper argues that the reason Mahjong, particularly Mahjong with money on it, was directly supported in both the private and public sectors in Japan is because it was recognized as a good mechanism for bringing people together.

Neither paper is close to publishable form, and I’m not sure if the first one ever will be. I send the second one to a couple of anthropologists, and one recommended refocusing it as an argument that there are forms of gambling that are socially constructive and are supported by the state. That seems like a promising direction, although for a number of reasons I don’t know if I’ll ever get around to rewriting/re-researching it.

Another area I’d like to explore is how the law interacts with Mahjong and gambling in general. I was able to gather a lot of information on this during my Fulbright year, but couldn’t organize it before I had to move on. Again, sadly I don’t know if I’ll ever have the time or reason to write this one.

Whats probably more interesting than the arguments is the background info and, dare I say it, my own personal experiences in the world. I have a million and one stories, but to be honest I have a lot of trouble getting them down on paper, or computer screen. I really wish I could write as freely as the folks here (and in the Japan blogosphere in general) but I suppose that’s just something I’ll have to work on.

By the way, M-Bone, I have heard that you are a historian. The bottom-left panel of the comic I directed you to features my concentration (college major) advisor, who happens to also be a Japan-historian, Kerry Smith.

No! I took things too far above and I’d like to extend a hand to Chris. We can leave things said in this thread in this thread.

“How I got into Mahjong research is a long story that involves a trip to Tibet, time spent in hostess bars with professional gamblers, and a need for a thesis topic.”

That sounds like a novel that I’d like to read. 外人麻雀放浪記？In any case, this is certainly the first time that I have asked someone about their life and they just said “read the manga”. Awesome.

“and after a decade of no contact just happened to be at Kyodai at the same time.”

Another “holy $^#%” Japan community moment.

“I daresay M-bone and a number of others here would be able to suggest someplace to submit to.”

We can talk about your ideas here in public (as we may attract the many other Mahjong junkies that I am sure lurk around the dark underbelly of academia) or you can get my contact info from Roy. If you have a Fulbright, you already have a foot in the door. Your Sotsuron idea looks like just the kind of thing that a journal or grad school admissions would love.

Ben: I’d say the research you’ve done so far is enough to get you into a sociology or Asian Studies PhD program if you just present it the right way. And why should those papers NOT see the light of day? I daresay M-bone and a number of others here would be able to suggest someplace to submit to.