MAHJONG AND MUTANTS: Twenty BAYC Members Trade J-Pegs For Jade Tiles At Imperia's Mahjong Night At The Yacht Club!

An ancient game and a modern community came together for a Mahjong Night at the Yacht Club that was anything but boring!

Last Thursday, 20 Bored Ape Yacht Club members traded in their J-Pegs for jade tiles at Yuga Labs Senior Creative Producer and BAYC member Imperia's first ever Mahjong Night.

“You just had to be there, she tweeted. “So much love and connection with the Ape fam over mahjong, drinks, and food. Hearing beginners already shit talking each other was incredible.”

 

For Imperia, mahjong is more than just a game, it's a connection to her family, culture, and heritage.

 

Over the past year, she's become increasingly involved in local mahjong clubs and communities while introducing more friends to the traditional game.

“Mahjong has always been a part of my family history and culture,” she said.  “Over the past year, mahjong has experienced a resurgence and has become more well-known to the general public, mainstream if you will. As mahjong has gained more visibility, I've personally been more involved with local clubs and communities and have learned and gained so much from those experiences.”

 

Inspired, Imperia recently launched her own mahjong club, House of Four Winds, with the goal of sharing the traditional version of the game that's so important to her with the people she cares about.

"To share the joy, history, and culture of mahjong with my close friends and family. There's a lot of misunderstanding of what mahjong actually is," she said. "For example, there are different styles of mahjong and the origins of mahjong began with Taiwanese and Hong Kong style mahjong. I felt it was important to make sure people learn "real" mahjong."

 

With the BAYC's recent push into Asia and members of the Yuga Labs team currently traveling through Taiwan, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Seoul, Imperia figured now was the perfect time to introduce the game to her frens around the swamp.

“When I learned there was going to be a BAYC APAC tour, I figured it might be a great time to hold an event stateside to compliment the tour,” she said.

 

So she teamed up with fellow BAYC member Gene to host Mahjong Night at the Yacht Club last week, and she couldn’t be happier with how it went.

“This was the first event I ever hosted for the community, and it was truly magical,” she said. “ I didn't expect that many people to show, a few Apes even from out of town! I was so touched and grateful for them for showing up for the event. It proved again how important it is for people to connect in IRL still. Witnessing the value of "Apes Together Strong" play out at the mahjong event was inspiring.  I was also so moved by how many people showed up to learn something I have so much love and passion for. I can't thank the community enough.”

Looking ahead, Imperia said another Mahjong Night at the Yacht Club isn't on the calendar just yet, but she certainly isn't ruling it out.

“I won't say it's off the table, so maybe down the line we can do another one. Maybe something more regular, let me cook on it lol.”

The Bored Ape Gazette will continue following Imperia as she builds around the swamp and will let you know when the next Mahjong Night gets dealt. Stay tuned for updates!