Japanese crossword(otherwise known as nonogram) is a puzzle in which, unlike ordinary crosswords, not words, but images are encrypted.

Similar nonograms appeared in Japan at the end of the 20th century and, despite their unusual appearance and seemingly frightening difficulty, they were able to gain popularity among puzzle lovers all over the world, including in Russia.

Correctly solving a Japanese crossword means restoring an image encrypted using numbers. An encrypted image can be any object: transport, animal, person, any symbols. A professionally designed crossword puzzle should have a single logical solution without any options.

Japanese crosswords are divided into two types - black and white and color. In black and white crosswords, the image contains only two corresponding colors: black and white, and the image itself can be either black on a white background or white on black. In color crosswords, an image is created using several colors.

Learning to solve Japanese crosswords is not difficult. To do this, it is enough to master the algorithm for solving a nonogram for a sufficiently long time. simple example to understand the whole essence of this puzzle, and then you can safely choose crossword puzzles with complex images.

Since the rules for solving color and black-and-white crosswords are somewhat different, let us first consider the features of composing and solving black-and-white crosswords.

First, let's look at the diagram of such a crossword puzzle.

example of a solved Japanese crossword puzzle

As you can see, the field of the Japanese crossword puzzle is lined with horizontal and vertical lines of different thicknesses. The thickest lines separate the picture field from the numbers. Thinner lines divide the field into groups of 5 cells (both horizontally and vertically) solely for ease of counting.

The image itself in the Japanese crossword puzzle is formed by painting individual cells black. An unpainted cell is considered white. In the process of solving it is necessary to reconstruct the picture using the available numbers.

Thus, the numbers in the Japanese crossword grid on the left and above mean the number of shaded cells in a row, without gaps, horizontally and vertically, respectively. Each individual number represents a different group. For example, a set of numbers 7, 1 and 2 in a Japanese crossword puzzle grid means that there are three groups in this row: the first is of seven, the second is of one, and the third is of two black cells. Moreover, between the groups there must be at least one unshaded cell. Empty cells can also be at the edges of the rows. When solving a Japanese crossword puzzle, you need to determine the placement of these groups of cells.

It is recommended to start solving the puzzle by finding horizontal lines or vertical columns, where you can draw some conclusion about which cells are shaded and which are not shaded. These logical conclusions can be displayed with special marks that will help you get new clues for solving the crossword puzzle.

EXAMPLE SOLUTION TO A JAPANESE CROSSWORD:

Let's look at a simple example consisting of 9 rows and 9 columns.

picture 1

We will denote shaded cells with a black square, and an empty field with a blue cross. For convenience, we will cross out the numbers after determining their location.

figure 2

First, let's see if there are any lines in the crossword puzzle that should be completely filled in. It turns out that there is - in our case it is the number 9 in the fifth row and fifth column, which the arrows point to. Since the width of the crossword puzzle is exactly 9 cells, this means that all the cells in this line must be filled in. At the same time, we cross out both numbers 9 so that they no longer distract us.

figure 3

Please note that as a result of the first step, we automatically found a solution for the first row, as well as for the first and ninth columns, where in all cases only one cell is shaded. This means that all other cells in these rows will be empty. Cross out all three numbers used and mark the empty cells.

figure 4

Again we carefully study the result of previous actions. It becomes clear that the fourth line again defines the entire group of seven consecutive cells that can be safely shaded.

Figure 5

You should always pay attention to the largest of the proposed numbers, which more easily provide a clue for further solving the puzzle. In our case, these are two sixes in the second and eighth column. Since the position of a group of six cells in these combinations will be ambiguous, let’s try to reason logically. At the same time, we will get acquainted with one of the basic principles of solving Japanese crossword puzzles. Let's remember a simple rule. If there is only one number next to a row or column, and it is more than half the length, then you can paint over several cells in the middle. In our case, these are the central four cells. No matter how you place a group of six cells in eight cells, the four central ones will definitely be shaded (i.e. 8-6=2, which means the number of “unknown” cells above and below). Since we have not yet made a final decision on these columns, we do not cross out the numbers themselves yet, but circle them in red. We'll return here later when we get a new lead.

Figure 6

And again luck smiled on us. In the sixth and seventh lines, the solution was identified automatically as a result of previous manipulations. Cross out unnecessary numbers and mark empty cells.

Figure 7

Since the crossword puzzle is quite simple, several options for its further solution are already being looked at. They are obvious. You can go either way. For example, again pay attention to the largest of the remaining numbers. Let's leave the five in the third line alone for now, because... It's easier to cross out the number 4 in the obvious sixth column first. Don't forget to mark empty cells.

figure 8

Now there is no doubt about the location of the group of three cells in the adjacent column to the right.

Real Japanese crosswords must satisfy the following rules:

• The crossword puzzle has a single logical solution;
• There are no zeros in the information fields;
• The crossword grid has only a horizontal and vertical number of cells that are a multiple of five (for example: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, ..);
• The image is not symmetrical and contains an easily readable image.

Solving black and white crossword puzzles

How to solve Japanese crosswords?

Two simple rules To successfully solve a Japanese crossword:

• The order of numbers is: bottom to top and left to right. That is, if there is a number 3 in a column, and 1 above it, then this means that you need to color (somewhere) 3 cells below, and 1 cell above them in this column. The same applies to strings.
• Between the shaded cells there must be at least one unshaded cell.

At the first stage, we look for those rows and columns in which the number of cells to be painted will be maximum. The next step will be to identify those rows and columns where the number of cells to be painted will be more than half of the entire column or row.

In these rows or columns we will find those cells that will be painted in any case, regardless of which side the field to be painted begins on. After this, you can already identify those cells that will definitely not be painted over. They must be marked with some kind of icon, for example, a cross or a dot. Then logical reasoning comes into play, with the help of which we bring the solution to the crossword puzzle to the end. In the process of solving a crossword puzzle, the described moves can be repeated several times.

As soon as any cells have been colored, the number that belongs to these cells must be crossed out so as not to get confused (especially on huge crossword puzzles).

An example of solving a small crossword puzzle:

Let's paint this cell too.

Last step

As a result of solving the crossword puzzle, we got the image of the letter “A”. This is a simple crossword puzzle, but there are huge crossword puzzles that require a lot of practice to solve successfully.

Solving color crosswords Color crosswords are solved according to the same principle as black and white ones. The difference is as follows: between different-colored groups of cells, there may be no separating (empty) cells., how to correctly solve a Japanese crossword puzzle, and where you can find it for free huge selection most interesting tasks.

History of appearance

The birthplace of the puzzle, as the name suggests, is Land of the Rising Sun. The authorship is still disputed by two representatives of this country. But whoever comes "inventor" this crossword puzzle, puzzle fans all over the world enjoy spending time solving these interesting tasks.

Later, another name for the puzzle appeared - NONOGRAM, on behalf of one of the inventors, a Japanese artist and designer Non Isis. Since the beginning of the 90s, the puzzle began to conquer the European continent, and later - both Americas, Australia and Africa.

In less than a decade nonorgammas are conquering the whole world, Russia does not stand aside either. Puzzles are published in various newspapers and magazines, published as separate brochures and, of course, published on gaming sites on the Internet.

How to solve

The puzzle is a grid of squares. Abroad playing field, horizontally and vertically, there are rows of numbers indicating how many cells in a given line should be shaded. There are two types of puzzles– black and white and color. The algorithm is almost identical for all variations of the crossword puzzle, with minor differences. Let's look at the basic principles of working with nonograms.

Basic principles of the solution

For example, let's take a crossword with a small picture (size 13x12 cells), which we will solve later.

So, the solution algorithm:

Rule 1

Between filled cells of the same color there must be at least one empty cell. Explanation for color crosswords – if cells different color there may not be a gap.

Rule 2

For convenience, it is advisable to put a “cross”, “dot” or other small sign in the cells that remain empty (not colored).

Rule 3

It is recommended to cross out the numbers that have already been used to create the drawing. Before we begin the solution, let's carefully study the numbers located on the sides of the field.

Important rules for solving crossword puzzles

Rule 4

If there are values ​​that coincide with the width or height of the field, we begin to paint over them.

In our example, this is the first vertical column (value 12 coincides with the number of cells in height) and the last horizontal line (value 13 is equal to the number of cells in width). Thus, it is necessary to start filling out the drawing with these lines.

Rule 5

If there is no number equal to the number of cells in length or width, you need to find a sequence of numbers whose sum is equal to the length/width of the playing field.

In our example, the first horizontal line falls under this standard: 8 + space + 1 + space + 2 = 13.

If the previous 2 options did not work, then move on to the next option. Let's call it "overlap". The point is this.

Rule 6

We are looking for a sequence whose sum is as close as possible to the number of uncolored cells. We try to virtually draw it first from left to right (or from top to bottom), and then vice versa. Cells that fall into the intersection will be unambiguously shaded. Let's give an example on the penultimate vertical row with the sequence “2;7”. This is not the largest sequence, but it is an option.

Lines 6 to 9 fell into the overlap area - they will be painted over.

Pay attention to the pattern: 2 + space + 7 = 10. The total length of the row is 13 cells. Total 13 – 10 = 3. This indicates that the block of cells is more than 3 pieces. will have an overlap. In example 7 – 3 = 4. We have I got 4 shaded cells.

Rule 7

If there are shaded cells around the perimeter of the field, shade the boundary values.

For our example, let's take a vertical column and fill all the extreme positions as shown on the slide.

Five more important rules

Rule 8

If there are more empty cells than the length of the last block to be painted, then in the cells that are clearly not painted, we put an empty cell sign (remember about the crosses and dots?).

For clarity, look at the following figure. The shaded sequence must contain 5 elements of which 4 are already shaded. Therefore, on one side You need to paint 1 cell. There are 2 empty fields on the left, 1 on the right. Based on this requirement, the leftmost cell is marked as empty.

Rule 9

If it is impossible to fit a block of cells into an unshaded gap due to length, such a gap will remain empty.

In our example there are two unpainted areas. The length of the first is 4, the second is 2. Only the number 4 remains on the left panel. Therefore, a block of 4 squares will not fit into the second gap. We mark it as the one that will remain empty.

Rule 10

If there is a gap between two nearby cells, filling which will result in a contradiction with the condition of the task, then such a gap must remain unfilled.

In our case, there are two figures of 1 and 2 squares. Between them there is a section that is unknown whether or not to fill. If we color this cell we get a block of 4 cells. But according to the condition, only blocks 1-1-3-1 are possible in this line. Therefore, the available mark the interval as “empty”.

Rule 11

For multi-colored crosswords, in addition to the above, color matching must be observed at the intersection of horizontal and vertical rows.

The example is simple. The extreme color conditions of the first 3 (color green) and last 4 (color blue) columns do not match the color sequence of the block of the last horizontal row. Thus, these cells will be marked as “empty”.

Final Rule

Rule 12

The most important norm. The process of solving a puzzle doesn't have to be a chore. It must provide moral satisfaction.

By following this simple instruction, you can fully enjoy the wonderful world of hand-drawn crosswords.

This concludes the theoretical part of the article. Let's move on to practical tasks.

Knowing the basic principles of solving a Japanese crossword puzzle, combining them, You can solve nonograms of almost any complexity. As you gain experience, you will develop your own style and methods of solution. Each subsequent puzzle will be solved faster and easier than the previous one. But it’s still advisable to start from simple drawings.

Solving black and white crosswords

To consider the main canons of the crossword puzzle solutions were chosen 2 easy tasks: one is black and white, the other is color. Let's solve them by applying 12 golden rules for solving.

We start with a mono-color crossword puzzle. The first step consists of applying Rules No. 4(the length of the block is equal to the width or length of the field). At the same time, do not forget to cross out the numbers corresponding to the drawn blocks (Rule No. 3). Look at the slide below.

The next step is to draw blocks around the perimeter of the field (Rule No. 7). We draw blocks horizontally on the left with 8, 2, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1 and 2 cells. Vertically fill the bottom cells at 2, 1, 1, 3, 4, 4, 4, 2, 1, 1, 7, 8 squares. Don't forget to mark the end of the blocks.

pay attention to important detail. In vertical rows No. 3 and 9 (counting from the left edge) All the necessary cells have been drawn. Therefore, we mark the remaining ones with a cross, they will be without filling.

Having drawn the indicated sequences, we see that 2 sides have the opportunity to fill boundary blocks. This is the top side and the side right. Let's complete the necessary drawings.

There are just a few touches left to complete the task. Please note that On the upper horizontal line, 4 cells remain unpainted. According to the task, there should be blocks with 1 and 2 cells 1 + 2 = 3. But we remember that between blocks of the same color there must be at least one empty cell. Total 3 +1 = 4!!!

We finish filling out the field and get the desired image.

Colored nonograms

A distinctive feature of such puzzles is multicolor. When solving it, it is necessary not only to correctly arrange the sequence of cells, but also to color them in the colors required, according to the conditions. The wrong color will ruin all your efforts. You should also remember the first condition - Between shaded cells one There must be at least one empty color; if the cells are of different colors, there may be no gap.

All of the above affects appearance crossword– not just numbers are written along the edge of the field, these cells also contain the color that should be used when drawing.

As in the case of a black and white nonogram, let's look at filling out a color puzzle step by step. The initial field size is 14x14 and contains 8 colors.

The algorithm for solving such a puzzle is identical to that used in black and white. Conducting description of Rule No. 11, One of the options for starting the task was given. Using the same norm as well as the property "overlap" Let's start solving it in a different way.

In the 12th line horizontally the values ​​of the numbers are 4 + 2 + 1 + 4 = 11. The field length is 14. Thus, a sequence of more than 3 (14 – 11) can be reflected on the field. Draw a blue cube. Since this is the only figure in the vertical row, we mark the remaining cells of the 11th row vertically with “x”.

As you already understand, you can start drawing in several ways. The result does not change, only the duration of the procedure and its complexity change. Agree, it is easier to determine the boundaries of color sequences than to calculate areas of overlap. But, we repeat, all comes with experience.

Continuation of the crossword puzzle

Draw on the bottom horizontal row block of 6 squares. Next, let's draw the boundary blocks. Let us mark with the symbol “x” those positions where there will be no drawing.

At the next stage, let's pay attention to the 7th vertical row. Taking into account already colored positions 12 cells remain. We check the initial condition 1 + 5 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 12. Feel free to paint the whole row in the colors specified by the condition.

We consistently fill in the boundary values, not forgetting to cross out the used numerical values ​​and placing an “x” in the identified places. We apply the learned habits and combine them We use it to solve the nonogram.

As a result, we will get a wonderful parrot and a lot of positive emotions. It took just under 3 minutes.

Now you can safely start solving Japanese puzzles on your own. Below is an overview of the most popular resources containing free crossword puzzles.

Top services with crosswords

For fans of nonograms, as well as those who decided to try their hand at solving Japanese puzzles, our rating of sites on a given topic that provide big choice puzzles.

"Japanese crosswords"

First place in the TOP 5 is the resource of the same name “Japanese crosswords”. The site contains order 20,000 crosswords of varying complexity and topics. The user can choose both mono-color and color options of various sizes and complexity.

A distinctive feature of the site is the name of the puzzles. The user sees only the serial number of the task, without knowing what will be shown in the picture. This creates a certain intrigue when making a decision.

A convenient interface, timer and advanced settings for displaying the progress of the solution, along with a large database of nonograms, certainly determine the primacy of the resource.

GrandGames

Honorary second place We give it to a resource dedicated to puzzles - GrandGames. Unlike the leader of the rating, the resource is not dedicated to exclusively Japanese crossword puzzles. There are other puzzles here too.

A large database (up to 10,000 different tasks) of Japanese puzzles, a convenient search menu, a nice interface and advanced customization options make the resource silver medalist of our TOP parade.

Not every one of us remembers that there is a fascinating entertainment of Japanese origin in the world, which captured the interest of many inhabitants of the planet back in the 90s. We are talking about Japanese crosswords that had a non-standard type of solution, and also required a certain amount of attention and knowledge of the basic rules for filling them out. At the first glance at such a crossword puzzle, many fell into shock, since it seemed incomprehensible and unsolvable to them, but gradually many began to understand the filling scheme, which made it possible to solve these unusual puzzles and get an unpredictable result in the form of a picture. Gradually, this entertainment began to be forgotten, and now such crossword puzzles can no longer be found in newspapers, books, booklets, as before, but you can find them on the Internet and continue to enjoy them.

But most people still don’t understand how to solve these crossword puzzles, so it’s time to gain new skills and master this technology.

Today you will get acquainted with instructions that will allow you to find the answer to the question of how to solve Japanese crosswords. To make the process easier, we suggest you get to know this type of intellectual entertainment in as much detail as possible.

Types of Japanese crosswords:

1. simple Japanese crosswords;
2. difficult Japanese crosswords;
3. color and black and white Japanese crosswords;
4. rare Japanese crosswords.

Japanese crossword solution structure:

1. cells undergoing painting;
2. cells that exclude the possibility of painting;
3. mandatory notes in the margins;
4. result of solving.

Simple Japanese crosswords

Simple Japanese crosswords, or as they are also called, Japanese crosswords for beginners, are widely used and have the most recognizable appearance. This is where you should start your little journey of solving these intellectual puzzles.

They usually have small fields (5x5, 8x8, 10x10 squares) and very simple pictures, and are intended mainly for small children. Although adults should also start with them, as they gradually induce the habit of solving and hone the skills of coloring cells, attentiveness and patience.

Difficult Japanese crosswords

Complex Japanese crossword puzzles are intended for professionals who are confident in their abilities, have sharpened attentiveness and are able to look for mistakes on the go. Typically, such crosswords have many fields: 50x50, 100x100, 200x200. To solve this type of puzzle, you need to first gain experience, otherwise it is fraught with many mistakes, nerves and a waste of time. It is also worth learning a simple rule: you should never try to solve a complex crossword puzzle in one day, as this is not at all effective. Stretch the pleasure over several days, and you will definitely achieve a positive result.

Colored and black and white Japanese crosswords

There are two types of Japanese entertainment in the world: color crosswords and black and white. In fact, the question of how to solve Japanese crosswords should not arise here again, since they look almost the same. The main difference is the color of the hint numbers; in the black and white version the numbers are exclusively black, but in the color version the numbers are multi-colored. The logic is simple and clear, the filling process itself is identical to the main one, however, this time you will need colored pencils or colored gel pens. And it will be great luck if you can find a paper version of this puzzle. Since the name “colored Japanese crosswords online” speaks for itself, this type has completely moved to the vastness of the virtual world.

Rare Japanese crosswords

There is another type of crossword - rare. This may be new to you, but right now in Japan, entire scrolls of Japanese crossword puzzles are popular, which imitate masterpieces of painting, for example, “Mona Lisa”, “The Death of Germanicus”, “Napoleon at the Pass” and others. Typically, such canvases have a size of 1000x1000 cells and even 5000x5000, 10000x10000. Alas, such crosswords are very expensive and sometimes take several years to solve. But if you are an ardent fan of these puzzles, then you should definitely buy this kind of Japanese crossword puzzle.

Cells undergoing staining

And now, in fact, it’s worth discussing the instructions. First, you should get acquainted with the fields of the crossword puzzle. They have fields with numbers; these numbers are your main hint for painting. They show how many squares should be shaded in a row (for example, the number 9 indicates that 9 cells should be shaded in a row, and if there are several numbers in the field, for example, 9, 1, 2, this means that in this row you need to paint the cells indented from each other). But there is a catch - there are also empty cells in the row that cannot be painted over. Therefore, at first it is worth looking for fields where there are no unfilled cells; usually this is a number that covers the entire row (vertical or horizontal) of squares. And this will be the first step to your success. Carefully review all fields and find highest values, it’s easier to start painting with them, and then you can find other cells to paint along the chain.

Cells that exclude the possibility of painting

These cells are your main “enemies” in this graphic puzzle. You should not look for them right away, as they will be revealed gradually, by painting over the exact areas of the puzzle. And it is better to mark the found cells with dots so that they do not cause you doubt. There are no clues about how to calculate these cells; you just have to rely on attention and logic.

Mandatory notes in the margins

Now it’s worth noting that it’s better to always celebrate your achievements. For example, if you correctly identified the cells to be shaded, be sure to cross out the number that you guessed. As mentioned above, you need to mark empty cells (not being painted) with dots or crosses. This approach will allow you to visually navigate and determine the format of the drawing as accurately as possible.

Result of solving

How to solve Japanese crosswords? Now you can answer this question confidently and in detail. The main thing to remember is that absolutely every action you take brings its own result, and already halfway through you will be able to visually understand what exactly you are doing. Every cell, every gap is all part of the overall picture. Whether it's a black and white or color crossword, it will all look great against the backdrop of a former empty field. The best way to solve a Japanese crossword puzzle is to use a simple pencil, so that you have the opportunity to erase mistakes or start over, but if you are confident in yourself, then gel pens are the ideal option - the color effect from them is the best.

Japanese crossword games are a complex intellectual puzzle that is not so easy to solve. It all depends on your attention and the correct combination of the information found (carefully consider the position of the shaded cells). Use the drafts, look closely at each field - and you will definitely understand what you need to do to solve it. Our recommendations will help you begin to understand the technology of the solution, and best practice There will be simple Japanese crosswords. Now you will know exactly how to solve Japanese crosswords. And, perhaps, in the future you will be able to solve complex versions of these puzzles. This instruction is suitable for solving paper versions of crosswords, as well as for solving crosswords online (this includes Japanese crosswords in Odnoklassniki).

Instructions

Remember that each number shows how many cells should be in a column or row. It is necessary to paint over the cells, following the order in the rows from left to right, and in the columns - from top to bottom.

Now start coloring the columns in the column where there is one number at a time, do not forget that you need to paint the columns from top to bottom. Also cross out and put dots in the places where the ones are first, these are empty squares and do not need to be painted over. Then, looking at the second ones in the columns, begin to paint over the required number of squares.

Look what happens to the lines; if there are single numbers, then fill in the squares from left to right. If the squares are already filled in, then feel free to cross out the numbers in the lines that coincide with these squares.

Proceed to the top part of the crossword only if the bottom part has already been solved. Follow exactly the same steps as at the bottom of the crossword, but remember to stick to the numbers written in the columns and rows. Once the simplified Japanese is solved, you can begin solving more complex puzzles. They develop logical thinking and allow you to relax and enjoy the result.

Sources:

• Rules for solving Japanese crossword puzzles

There are also tasks in scanword puzzles that contain a potential set of correct answers (for example, “a river in Russia”) or require you to match a word (for example, “sadness”). To solve them, you need to count the number of cells allocated for the answer in order to eliminate options that are too long and too short (for example, if the answer to the task “sadness” contains 5 letters, then the option “sadness” will definitely not work). Then you need to solve any word that intersects with the given one in order to open the clue letter (for example, if in the answer to the task “sadness” the second letter is revealed - “p”, then the answer will be the word “”, not “melancholy”) .

If great difficulties arise in solving tasks, you can turn to any auxiliary means: geographical atlases, dictionaries of synonyms, search engines. However, all these measures should be taken only if your goal is simply to solve the crossword puzzle, and not to test your erudition.

Helpful advice

Scanword puzzles adapted for solving using a computer are no different from their paper counterparts and are solved according to the same rules.

Many puzzle lovers find that solving Japanese crosswords is much more interesting than regular ones. After all, they are based on the laws of logic and do not depend on the level of general erudition, so even children successfully compete with adults in solving them.

When solving Japanese, you must consider each column and each row separately. Only after completing the next segment can you move on to sketching the next group of cells.

Solving a Japanese crossword puzzle can be divided into several stages:

The first stage is to determine the cells that should be painted over without taking into account the location of the groups;
- at the second stage, those cells that cannot be painted over are determined (as a rule, they are crossed out with a cross);
- the third stage is identifying the numbers whose positions you have already calculated (they should also be crossed out).

Thus, marks will appear on the crossword puzzle field, which will later help you calculate new numbers. You need to solve it until you completely restore the image encrypted in it.

Sources:

• Learning to solve Japanese crosswords
• The history of Japanese crosswords