The origins of Sudoku can be traced back to 18th century Switzerland when mathematician Leonhard Euler developed a mathematical puzzle called “Latin Squares”. However, the modern version of Sudoku that we are familiar with today was actually invented much later by a Japanese puzzle company called Nikoli Co. Ltd in the late 1970s under the name “Number Place”. The game became popular in Japan in the 1980s, and it wasn’t until the 21st century that Sudoku became a global phenomenon. Today, there are Sudoku tournaments and championships held all over the world, and the puzzle game is enjoyed by millions of people as a pastime and a way to keep the brain sharp.
Sudoku is still a very popular puzzle game today and is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. Although its popularity has somewhat declined since its peak in the mid-2000s when Sudoku was featured in newspapers and puzzle books everywhere, it still has a strong following. Many websites, apps, and even social media platforms offer Sudoku puzzles for free, and Sudoku tournaments and championships continue to be held annually. Additionally, for those who prefer to play with pen and paper, Sudoku puzzle books are still widely available. Sudoku’s enduring popularity is a testament to its appeal as a fun and challenging logic game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
One reason for the enduring popularity of Sudoku is that it is a challenging but solvable puzzle game that appeals to people’s love of logic and problem-solving. Many people enjoy the satisfaction of completing a Sudoku puzzle and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. Additionally, Sudoku provides a mental workout that can help improve cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and logical deduction.
Another factor driving Sudoku’s popularity is its accessibility. The rules of Sudoku are simple and easy to understand, and the game requires no special skills or prior knowledge, making it accessible to anyone regardless of their level of education or background. Additionally, because Sudoku can be played alone and doesn’t require any special equipment, it is a convenient and portable form of entertainment that can be enjoyed anywhere.
Finally, Sudoku’s popularity is also due to its versatility. The game can be played at different levels of difficulty, making it an ideal puzzle for both beginners and experts. Additionally, while Sudoku is primarily a number-placement puzzle game, variations such as letter-based or color-based Sudoku can add an extra layer of challenge and diversity.
Japanese competitors recently showcased their puzzle-solving skills at the recent World Puzzle Championship (WPC) and World Sudoku Championship (WSC), with impressive results. Ken Endo, a three-time world champion, secured the individual title at the WPC, while Japan finished second in the team category. In the WSC, Japan claimed first place in the team category, with Kota Morinishi, a four-time world champion, finishing third in the individual category. Both championships took place in Toronto, Canada, and featured participants from around 30 countries. Puzzles and Sudoku are popular in Japan, and the country has a strong record in both championships, with numerous individual and team wins. Endo and Morinishi demonstrated remarkable speed in solving puzzles, with both of them correctly solving nine Sudoku puzzles within the time limit of 30 minutes. The WPC and WSC have been held simultaneously since 2011 and have attracted puzzle enthusiasts from all over the world.
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maki_Kaji
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/17/world/asia/maki-kaji-dead.html
https://www.npr.org/2021/08/17/1028412532/sudoku-creator-maki-kaji-dies
https://www.zvsts.com/article/news/1/d0df7ffffe84ab13b6dfc5d573ba0000.html
https://news.sky.com/story/japan-godfather-of-sudoku-maki-kaji-dies-aged-69-12383520