Pass through the gateway of a lost 17th-century military system. We are reverse-engineering a lethal legacy of tactical logic directly from the archives of Japan into a physical 6x6 grid protocol.

Reconstructing

the Yamanaka Protocol

The Pillars of Kiro

Live Reconstruction Log

Fragment Recovery

Reverse-Engineering the Logic

Material Resonance

Piecing together the lost history of the Yamanaka district.

Translating fragmented field notes into a playable escape sequence.

Translating lethal 17th-century protocols into modern board state.

Decoding the 6x6 interlocking grid logic used for fort infiltration.

Testing the synergy between copper, wood, and charcoal to honor the original intent.

Technical Excellence

The Architecture of Kiro

A masterpiece of contrast

The Duality of Urushi

Inspired by the timeless elegance of Japanese lacquerware, the Kiro board, our 'Fort', is a study in contrast. We have paired a vibrant, high-gloss red exterior with a deep, matte black tactical center. This isn’t just a board; it is a physical manifestation of Japanese craftsmanship, precision-engineered to provide a sensory experience that grounds every strategic move. Can not wait to show it to you.

The Tactical Tiles

The Souls

In ancient Japan, netsuke were small, hand-carved sculptures that served as functional art. Our tiles will follow this same principle. Whether you choose our weighted "Standard" resin version or the solid wood "Luxury Artisan" tiles with inlaid details, each piece is designed to fit perfectly in your hand. We've perfected the tactile balance so that every move feels like a momentous decision. Hope to show them soon.

Carving the Serpent's Path

The Living Ribbon

In Japanese philosophy, the path you take, the Michi, is as important as the destination. In Kiro, this path is physically brought to life by a flowing ribbon that snakes across the board. From the ceremonial Torii gate to the final passage, this flow forms the backbone of your tactical journey. It is not a static playing field, but a dynamic, winding path that compels you to move with precision and forethought, just as a master calligrapher draws a continuous line on paper.
But in Kiro it is your escape from death.

Silence, Focus and Flow

The Ritual of Strategy

Kiro isn't a rushed game. It's a ritual. Inspired by the meditative tranquility of a Japanese rock garden, the game invites deep focus. The sound of the wooden tiles on the matting court, following the serpent's winding path; every session is an inward journey. Whether you play for victory or for mental peace, Kiro brings balance to your table.

How the game is played.

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The Heart of the Protocol

The Hint System

The most complex part of our reconstruction is the Scout Intel. Unlike modern games, the Yamanaka Protocols did not use coordinates. They used relative environmental data.

We have successfully extracted the 7 core pillars of the escape:

The 6x6 Grid Matrix: The base of all tactical movements.
The 6 Elements: Lantern, Compass, Seal, Hourglass, and two Torii Gates.
The Secret Chambers: Set up via Mission Cards to create unique obstacles.
The Interlocking Hints: Verbal fragments that only reveal a position when cross-referenced.
The Time Elements:Fire, Water, Earth, and Air symbols on the back of stones to manage mission duration.
The Resonance: Specific material requirements for the physical components.
The Serpent’s Path: The final, single route that forms only when deduction is perfect.

Join the Investigation
We are currently testing if this 'vague' deduction is as lethal as the history suggests. Do you have a better way to set the Secret Chambers?

In the Yamanaka Protocols, no single scout report gives a definitive location. I’ve designed the logic so that you must cross-reference multiple fragments to find the 'True Position'.

My question to the strategists: How many 'interlocking constraints' do you prefer before a solution feels earned rather than forced? Do you enjoy it more when deduction comes from the board state (already placed items) or from the intersection of textual hints?

Our Path to Reality

The Architect's Journey

2023 | The Find
The rediscovery of the ancient manuscripts in a forgotten archive. The first glimpse into a tactical legacy that was nearly lost to time. Check the Forensic Archive: kiro-fort.jp
2026 | The Prototype
Translating centuries-old sketches into physical reality. Developing the first Urushi-inspired models to test the perfect balance of gloss and matte.
We will show first prototypes soon.
2026 | The Craft
Partnering with master artisans to ensure every board and tile meets the standards of Japanese excellence. Perfecting the "Living Ribbon."
Coming as soon as possible | The Kickstarter
Your chance to become a first-generation 'Architect.' Join us in bringing this masterpiece to tables worldwide.
??? | The Delivery
The culmination of years of research and craftsmanship. Kiro arrives at your doorstep, ready for its first move.