All Japan Poker Championship – Full Guide, History and Information

The All Japan Poker Championship (AJPC) is Japan’s oldest and most prestigious poker tournament series, established to promote poker strictly as a “mind sport”. While domestic events often operate on a free-to-enter model to comply with Japanese laws, the international AJPC SAMURAI CIRCUIT offers a classic buy-in structure across the Asian region. It serves as the perfect gateway into the disciplined world of Japanese poker, whether in massive local fields or at international “Samurai” stops.

At a Glance

• • Founded: 2007
  • Region: Asia (Japan, Korea, Taiwan)
  • Currency
    • JPY ( Japan domestic)
    • USD, KRW, or TWD (International stops)
  • Most Iconic Venue:
    • Sammy Ebisu Plaza (Osaka)
    • Paradise City (Incheon)

History & Prestige

With over a decade of history, the tour has established itself as a pillar of the Japanese poker community, evolving from a local experiment into a respected international brand.

Origin Story

The AJPC was launched in 2007 as a pioneering initiative to legalize and popularize poker in Japan while strictly adhering to anti-gambling laws. The core concept was to define poker not as gambling but as a game of skill, creating a safe environment for Japanese players to compete.

Evolution

After years of focusing exclusively on Japan, the tour recognized the players’ desire for international competition. In December 2017, they launched the “AJPC Asian Circuit,” which later evolved into the AJPC SAMURAI CIRCUIT. This international branch hosts events in destinations like South Korea (Incheon), Taiwan , and Macao , giving Japanese players a platform to prove themselves on the global stage.

Records

Domestic AJPC events regularly attract thousands of entrants, holding the status of Japan‘s largest free-to-enter championship. The international Samurai Circuit events feature competitive prize pools and attract a strong field of Asian players.

Events & Structure

Whether you are looking for prestige in Japan or big prize pools abroad, the AJPC schedule offers diverse formats catering to different player goals.

Flagship Events

• AJPC Main Event: The crown jewel of the domestic series. Winning this title in Japan is considered one of the highest honors for a local player.
• AJPC Samurai Circuit: The main events of the international stops (e.g., in Taiwan or Korea), offering real money buy-ins and significant prize pools.
• Super Cup & Junior Championship: Dedicated events for specific categories (such as young talents), reinforcing the community aspect of the sport.

Satellites & Qualifiers

Securing a seat at an AJPC event is made accessible through various qualification routes, both live and online, ensuring players of all levels can participate.

Partner Integration

While AJPC focuses on live events, we recommend the following popular online rooms in the region for practice and bankroll building at GGPoker, WPT Global or Natural8 site.