Japan International Human capital Development Organization
Japanese Language Proficiency Committee
"Shritori" is a traditional Japanese word game that has been enjoyed for generations.
While it offers educational value, a standardized official rule set has not existed until now.
These rules aim to maximize educational benefits, ensuring fairness and consistency.
The rules clarify the following points:
Criteria for word usage
Determination of player order
Handling of special sounds like palatalized sounds, long vowels, and ぢ/づ
Handling of incorrect words and words ending with "ん"
Educational benefits (vocabulary, pronunciation, letter and sound recognition skills)
Article 1: Purpose
These rules are established to ensure Shritori can be played fairly and enjoyably.
Article 2: Basic Gameplay
Players take turns saying words.
The next player must say a word starting with the last character (sound) of the previous word.
Words already used cannot be repeated.
If a player cannot think of a word, says an incorrect word, or says a word ending with "ん", they either drop out or lose 1 point.
The choice of elimination or point system must be agreed upon by all participants before the game.
The last remaining player (in elimination system) or the player with the fewest deductions (in point system) wins.
Examples of incorrect words:
Words not listed in a dictionary (e.g., "ひみつのなぞ")
Repeated words (e.g., "ねこ → ねこ")
Words whose meaning or pronunciation is unclear (e.g., "はし" (橋/箸) without explanation)
Article 3: Word Rules
3-1 Nouns
Words should primarily be nouns. Numbers are treated as nouns.
3-2 Criteria for usable words
Words accepted by all participants (e.g., "スマホ")
Words listed in standard Japanese dictionaries or confirmed in common use (e.g., "りんご")
3-3 Numbers
Usable numbers: basic numbers (1-9) and units (十, 百, 千, 万, etc.)
Composite numbers (e.g., 十一, 二百, 三千) are not allowed.
Numbers are treated like regular nouns for Shritori. Example: "三（みっつ） → つき"
3-4 Dialects
Dialects are allowed if all participants understand or agree upon their meaning. Example: "べこ" (Tohoku dialect: cow)
3-5 Homonyms
Words with multiple meanings are allowed only if the meaning is clear and correctly pronounced. Example: "はし" (橋/箸)
3-6 Compound words
Generally recognized as one word and listed in a dictionary or confirmed in use. Example: "電気自動車"
3-7 Loanwords and foreign place names
Only words in Japanese script (katakana) are allowed. Example: "パスタ", "ロサンゼルス"
Article 4: Handling Letters and Sounds
Palatalized sounds (しゃ, しゅ, しょ, ちゃ, ちゅ, ちょ) are treated as one sound. Example: "いしゃ" → next word starts with "しゃ"
Long vowel "ー": the last character before it is used. Example: "コーヒー" → next word starts with "ヒ"
ぢ/づ at the end are replaced with じ/ず. Example: "あいづ" → next word starts with "ず"
Article 5: Optional Rules & Variations
Time limits can be set (e.g., 5 seconds per word)
Team or group play is allowed
Category restrictions can be applied. Example: Animals only → ねこ → こあら → らいおん