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.

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

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.

If there’s a tie

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

Source & edition

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Found a different instruction in your edition? Send a correction with the game, edition, and source.