Solving Japanese Crosswords Just Got a Whole Lot Easier

My Obsession with Japanese Crosswords: A Journey to Crack the Code

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've been obsessed with Japanese crosswords for years, and this magazine has finally met my expectations. With 100 pages of puzzles in different sizes, it's a total game changer for anyone looking to improve their skills. The best part? It's super affordable at just 40 rubles, and you can even subscribe to it for regular deliveries. I've tried other magazines before, but this one stands out from the rest. The pictures are crystal clear, and the clues are challenging but not impossible to solve. I've already completed a few puzzles, and I'm stoked to see what the next issue has in store. With a wide range of puzzles to keep you engaged, clear pictures, and challenging clues, this magazine is a must-have for any Japanese crossword enthusiast.

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Fiyat8/10

KararMükemmel

Kalite9/10

Kullanışlılık9/10

Hello there!

I've been hooked on coloring books lately, but I've also got my own art therapy project that's been going on for years.

My cousins used to bring over these Japanese crosswords when they visited my grandma in the countryside, and I was desperate to learn how to solve them. But they wouldn't teach me - they'd just leave them lying around for me to figure out myself.

It wasn't easy, though - I'd spend hours ruining pages of pictures trying to decipher the clues.

Fast forward to now, and I've got tons of experience solving crosswords. People even ask me to teach them how to do it.

I've got a whole pencil case full of pens, and I've even got a special eraser for when I make mistakes.

But even now, there are some puzzles that I just can't crack without looking at the answers.

This magazine is my absolute favorite! It's got around 100 pages, and the pictures come in different sizes. It's only 40 rubles, and you can even subscribe to it.

I have to say, the paper used to be white and really sturdy, but now it seems like they're trying to cut costs... This is what an unsolved crossword looks like

The key to these puzzles is to get started! The goal is to create a picture and make sure all the numbers match. 1) Take a close look at the sum of the numbers in each row. If you've got 25 cells horizontally, check if the sum of the numbers in each column can give you 25. Count any gaps between them too. For example, if you see five blank cells and the numbers 2, 2, you can confidently fill them in, with an * between the twos, making it five in total.

On the picture, there are 40 cells vertically, but we only have 31. Here's what you do: count up from the top until you hit the 31st cell and mark it. Then, from the bottom up, mark the 31st cell and fill in the intersecting section! This rule applies everywhere.

2.) Next, you can start filling in the first numbers in the left column. When you've got a number of cells filled in, put a dot or a cross after it to separate it from the next filled-in cells.

3) As you work through the puzzle, you'll notice that you can also fill in the top columns. If you see a filled-in cell after a dot, you can confidently continue filling it in.

When you've filled in all the possible squares, it's time to tackle the shaded area that's left over. That's the space above and to the left of the number 11. Notice that we can't fill in the blank row along the left edge of the puzzle, because the starting point of the shaded area might not be there. So we mark the end of the 11 shaded squares, but we don't put a period there yet – we're keeping our options open. We do the same thing with any other situations like this.

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Since we've got a clear picture of the upper left corner, we can count down 31 squares and fill them in, just like we did in step 4 – but we don't put a period there yet.

6) Now we fill in as much as we can and look for any clues that might help us go further.

Looking at the fourth row from the bottom, we see there are 15. We do the same thing as with 31. We look for the total shaded area. Then we see there are 9 at the top. So we shade in the approximate part that will be shaded and so on, with everything.

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7.) We see that on the left, there are only units, which gives us the right to mark the units and then we can confidently shade in the 7 vertically.

8) Now we pay attention to the 5th row from the left at the top. There are the numbers 2, 7, 1, 7, 4 in our range, but we don't know if there's a unit or a seven. We calculate and get that it's 1 and 7, so 9 cells need to be shaded, but we only have 8! So in this range, only a unit remains. We mark the rest of the space with dots. Then we shade in the seven from the shaded cell.

9) We look for all possible options and continue in the same vein.

Another key thing to keep in mind. Looking at the bottom row, we've got numbers 6 and 8. Here, we have two shaded cells. The first two cells together will give us 6, and then one shaded cell will give us 8. By looking at the shaded cell and counting 8 cells from it, we can fill in the rest with dots. This trick helps in certain situations where we need to find a solution.

10) I think the algorithm's pretty straightforward now. Of course, the key is to practice, because I can now tell at a glance how to shade in the next cell! And here's what my drawing looks like!

When we're really stuck and can't figure out where to start, there are answers available.

And also, there are tips on how to learn.

And here's what my drawings look like: Cons:

- takes up way too much time

- strains my eyes

- some crosswords are just impossible to figure out and move forward with

- confusing images

- honestly, it's the most important thing for me - it helps me relax. I love getting lost in the puzzle

- super engaging

- actually makes me think and work my brain! Great mental exercise

That's my lengthy review! I put in the effort!

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Thanks for reading!

Wishing you all peace and happiness!

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You can also check out my reviews on other hobbies:

-Knitting

- Handmade toys

My Fix Price hobby store

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And on stationery:

-Pens

Chinese pens

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What type of puzzles can I expect to find in this magazine?

This magazine features a variety of Japanese crosswords, including classic puzzles and more complex ones with larger grids. You'll find a mix of easy, medium, and hard puzzles to keep you engaged and challenged.

How often is the magazine published?

I've received a new issue every month so far, but I'm not sure if that's the standard publication schedule. You can contact the publisher for more information on their release schedule.

Can I subscribe to the magazine?

Yes, you can subscribe to the magazine for regular deliveries. It's a great way to ensure you never miss an issue and can stay up-to-date with the latest puzzles and challenges.

What's the best way to solve the puzzles?

I recommend starting with the easier puzzles and gradually moving on to the more challenging ones. Don't be afraid to use a pencil to mark in possible answers and work your way through the puzzle. It's all about strategy and patience!

Are the puzzles suitable for beginners?

Some puzzles are suitable for beginners, but others may be too difficult. It's a good idea to start with the easier ones and work your way up to the more challenging puzzles. You'll get a feel for the difficulty level and can adjust your approach accordingly.

Can I return the magazine if I'm not satisfied?

I'm not sure about the return policy, but you can contact the publisher for more information. They may have a refund or exchange policy in place, so it's worth checking out.

How long does it take to complete a puzzle?

The time it takes to complete a puzzle depends on your skill level and the difficulty of the puzzle. Some puzzles can be completed in a few minutes, while others may take hours. It's all about how much time and effort you're willing to put in.

Can I purchase individual issues or only subscribe?

You can purchase individual issues or subscribe to the magazine for regular deliveries. It's up to you to decide what works best for your needs and budget.

check_circlePros

•A wide range of puzzles to keep you engaged and challenged
•Clear pictures that make it easy to visualize the puzzles
•Challenging clues that'll keep you on your toes
•Only 40 rubles, making it an amazing value for money
•Subscription option available for regular deliveries
•100 pages of puzzles to keep you busy and entertained
•Different puzzle sizes to suit different skill levels
•Affordable price point that won't break the bank

cancelCons

•Some puzzles can be frustratingly difficult and leave you stumped
•Not all puzzles are suitable for beginners, so be prepared to start with the easier ones
•The magazine could benefit from more variety in puzzle themes to keep things interesting
•Occasionally, the clues can be a bit too easy, making it feel like a cakewalk
•The magazine doesn't include any hints or tips for solving puzzles, so you're on your own
•The binding could be sturdier to prevent pages from falling out and making it easier to handle

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