From the publisher’s rulebook

Who goes first in Rising Sun?

CMON English base game

The player whose Clan has the lowest-numbered Starting Honor Rank takes the first Mandate Turn. Their Clan starts at the top of the Honor track.

Rule details

Seat players clockwise in increasing Starting Honor Rank. The seating order stays fixed.

This identifies the first Political Mandate turn; the opening Tea Ceremony is for players to negotiate alliances.

Source & edition

Rising Sun: English rulebookCMON · Setup: Sitting order and Prepare your Clan; Political phase: Mandate turns · Checked 2026-09-26Printed page references: 8, 12
PDF page 8 PDF page 12

All 8 CMON starting rules

Image: © CMON · CMON

If your rules call for a random choice, use the player picker.

If there’s a tie

The rulebook doesn’t say. If you need a tie-break, pick a player at random.

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<blockquote class="whogoesfirst-rule" cite="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/rising-sun-cmon-en/">
  <p><strong>Who goes first in Rising Sun?</strong> The player whose Clan has the lowest-numbered Starting Honor Rank takes the first Mandate Turn. Their Clan starts at the top of the Honor track.</p>
  <p>Source: <a href="https://whogoesfirst.fun/games/rising-sun-cmon-en/">Official starting rule on Who Goes First?</a> (CMON English base game)</p>
</blockquote>

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