Finnish game Mölkky becomes a hit in Japan, played by millions

Japanese pediatrician Shuichi Yatsuga dreams of becoming a Mölkky world champion and seeing the game become an Olympic sport. He is credited with popularizing Mölkky in Japan, where over three million people now play the Finnish throwing game. Yatsuga first encountered Mölkky in 2011 while working as a researcher in Finland. He fell in love with the game and brought 30 sets back to Japan. "That's how it all started. First my friends got interested, then everyone else too," he said. He finds Mölkky appealing due to its simplicity and sense of community. "Anyone can play the game almost anywhere and anytime. And anyone can also improve at the game," Yatsuga explained. He also values the game's social aspect and the opportunity to play outdoors. Yatsuga founded Japan's Mölkky association in 2011, which later became the official national federation, with him serving as president. The game's popularity exploded after comedian Tetsuya Morita discovered Mölkky and formed his own team in 2019. Since then, Mölkky has been a constant presence on Japanese television and social media. Mölkky is now played in parks across Tokyo and Yatsuga's hometown of Fukuoka by people of all ages. It is particularly popular among young students, families, and the elderly. A set costs about 70 euros in Japan. A rubber indoor version, popular with families with young children, costs around 30 euros. Yatsuga is participating in the Mölkky World Championships in Helsinki with his team, Porukka. He acknowledges the high level of competition this year but is not confident about winning, stating, "I don't think we can win."

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I want to be the Mölkky world champion and for Mölkky to become an Olympic sport.