Translation guide
A simulated military exercise or a game based on warfare, including tabletop, video, and live-action formats.
A simulated battle or tactical exercise conducted by armed forces for training or analysis.
General term for military exercises, drills, or maneuvers. Can refer to both field training and command post exercises.
自衛隊は大規模な演習を行った。
The Self-Defense Forces conducted a large-scale war game.
Specifically 'military exercise', often used in news reports about joint exercises or large-scale drills.
米韓合同軍事演習が始まった。
The US-South Korea joint military exercise has begun.
Literally 'simulated battle', used for mock battles or war games within training contexts. More specific than 演習.
部隊は模擬戦で戦術を試した。
The unit tested tactics in a simulated battle.
A board game, miniature game, or role-playing game that simulates warfare, often for recreation.
The direct loanword for 'war game' in the context of tabletop or computer strategy games. Widely understood among enthusiasts.
週末に友達とウォーゲームをプレイした。
I played a war game with friends over the weekend.
A digital game focused on warfare, including real-time strategy, shooters, or tactical simulations.
Same loanword used for video games in the war/strategy genre. Context distinguishes from tabletop.
新しいウォーゲームをダウンロードした。
I downloaded a new war game.
Literally 'war game', used for video games with war themes. Slightly more descriptive than the loanword.
彼は戦争ゲームばかりしている。
He only plays war games.
A physical game where participants simulate combat using replica weapons, often in outdoor settings.
Commonly called 'survival game' or 'airsoft' in Japan. Refers to team-based combat simulation with airsoft guns.
サバイバルゲームのフィールドで一日過ごした。
We spent the day at a war game field.
Sometimes used for military simulation games, but less common than サバイバルゲーム.
ミリタリーゲームのイベントに参加した。
I participated in a war game event.
Means 'strategy game', a broader category that includes war games. Often used for video games as well.
彼は歴史的な戦略ゲームが好きだ。
He likes historical war games.
Simulation game, often used for complex war simulations. Can be abbreviated as シミュレーション or SLG.
このシミュレーションゲームは第二次世界大戦を再現している。
This war game recreates World War II.