Akari Puzzle Glossary — All Terms
Akari — Akari (あかり) is the original Japanese name for this logic puzzle, meaning "light." It was created and published by Nikoli in 2001.
Akari is played on a rectangular grid of white and black cells. Some black cells carry numbers from 0 to 4. Players place light bulbs on white cells so that every white cell is illuminated, numbered constraints are satisfied, and no two bulbs see each other in the same row or column.
Anyone who enjoys logic puzzles, spatial reasoning, or relaxing brain teasers. Especially good for players who find Sudoku too number-heavy.
Try GridPaw's 7×7 Easy puzzles to learn the rules. The smaller grid has more numbered clues relative to its size.
Place cats on white cells. Each cat lights its row and column. Numbered walls show how many adjacent cats they need. No two cats can see each other.
GridPaw has a Hint button that highlights a cell needing attention. Use it when stuck to learn new deduction patterns.
Once Easy puzzles feel comfortable, try Medium (10×10) and Hard (12×12). Each level introduces new solving challenges.
Akari (あかり, "light" in Japanese) is a logic puzzle by Nikoli where you place light bulbs on a grid to illuminate every white cell while following numbered clues. GridPaw is the cat-themed version.
Yes. "Akari" is the original Japanese name by Nikoli. "Light Up" is the English localization. Same puzzle, same rules.
Nikoli, the Japanese puzzle publisher behind Sudoku, Kakuro, and dozens of other logic puzzles. Akari was first published in 2001.
Ready to put this knowledge to use?
Play GridPaw Free