Japanese chess WSJ Crossword Clue
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explanationFrequently Asked Questions About This Clue
The most common and recent 5-letter answer for "Japanese chess" is SHOGI.
The clue refers to a traditional Japanese board game similar to chess, known as 'shogi.' It involves strategy and tactics akin to those in Western chess, hence the term 'Japanese chess.'
Shogi is a Japanese strategy board game similar to chess.
Japanese game using pentagonal pieces
WSJ Crossword - July 26, 2025 - WSJ Crossword - May 01, 2026
The clue “Japanese chess” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated May 1 2026, the definitive 5-letter answer is: SHOGI.
Expert Tip: When you’re stuck, try to analyze the structure of the clue itself. Is it a direct definition, a pun, a fill-in-the-blank, or a pop culture reference? Identifying the type of clue you’re dealing with is a key skill for improving your solving speed.
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