Riichi City x VRMA
Step into the exciting world of Japanese Riichi Mahjong at Animaga 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or just curious about the game you’ve seen in anime like Saki, Akagi, or Touhai, or perhaps video games like Final Fantasy XIV and Like a Dragon, this is your opportunity to experience the real thing—right on the convention floor.
In collaboration with Riichi City and the Victorian Riichi Mahjong Association (VRMA), this immersive booth invites you to explore the game’s rhythm, strategy, and charm through live demonstrations, casual play sessions, and prize-winning challenges.
- Where: Table Top Area
- All-Day Event
Learn the Basics — No Experience Needed
Never touched a mahjong tile before? Don’t worry. Friendly staff from VRMA will guide you through every step of the gameplay, ensuring that even complete beginners can pick up the fundamentals quickly. You’ll learn how to recognize tiles, understand the game’s flow, and get a feel for the tactics that make Riichi Mahjong such a thrilling mental sport.
Participants will also have a chance to try out Riichi City, an online platform designed to help new players practice and improve. Once you’ve tried it digitally, we’ll guide you into playing the real, tactile version of the game with beautifully arranged mahjong sets right at the booth.
Casual Games and Friendly Faces
For those who already know how to play—or are eager to jump in after a quick tutorial—our booth will host a dedicated casual play zone. You’ll be able to join friendly matches with other attendees or take on seasoned members of the VRMA community in an easy-going, supportive environment. Whether you want to hone your skills or simply relax with a few rounds, everyone is welcome.
Challenges and Giveaways Throughout the Day
Throughout the weekend, we’ll be hosting a range of short, fun competitions designed to test your luck, memory, and mahjong instincts. Complete special challenges such as spotting rare hands or winning with particular combinations, and you might walk away with an exclusive mahjong-themed prize. The most dedicated players could even find themselves the proud owners of premium giveaways courtesy of Riichi City.
Merch and Exclusive Freebies
If you’re just passing by and intrigued by the world of mahjong, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Stop in for a quick demo and receive a small giveaway, or browse our limited-edition merchandise brought in by Riichi City. Whether you’re collecting keepsakes or looking for your next fandom obsession, this booth will be a rewarding stop.
VRMA is Melbourne’s community hub for Japanese Riichi Mahjong. Founded with the goal of sharing the joy and depth of the game, VRMA hosts regular events, teaches newcomers, and fosters an inclusive, welcoming space for players of all skill levels. Their passion lies in connecting people through tiles, tactics, and friendly competition.Victorian Riichi Mahjong Association (VRMA) is Melbourne’s leading community hub for fans of Japanese Riichi Mahjong — a thrilling game of tiles, strategy, and tradition. Founded with a passion for bringing players together, VRMA hosts regular games, welcomes newcomers, and promotes an inclusive environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy the mental challenge and social connection that mahjong offers.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or completely new to the game, VRMA offers a friendly space to learn, play, and improve. The club holds weekly meetups at central and accessible venues:
Thursdays @ Marche Board Game Café (Melbourne CBD)
Saturdays @ Good Games Box Hill
These sessions are open to everyone — from absolute beginners to serious competitors — and are played under official Japanese Riichi Mahjong rules. The team also offers support for Mahjong Competition Rules (MCR) players, although the MCR community is currently smaller.
VRMA’s mission is to connect and grow the mahjong community across Melbourne and Victoria by promoting fun, fair, and friendly gameplay. They also run teaching sessions and tournaments, making it the perfect place to start your mahjong journey or sharpen your skills in a welcoming, well-organised setting.
Want to get involved?
Visit their website, join their Discord server, or drop into a weekly session — the tiles are waiting!
Come explore a new world of challenge and community. Whether you’re looking to learn, compete, or simply try something different during your Animaga weekend, the Riichi Mahjong booth is the perfect place to start. Discover the thrill of building hands, reading the table, and calling “Riichi” in front of a cheering crowd.
We invite you to stop by, play a few rounds, and see what makes this traditional Japanese game so beloved by anime fans, gamers, and board game enthusiasts around the world.
