These Japanese characters are the pieces themselves. Every piece points toward the opponent; after capture, turn it around and it becomes yours.
歩PawnOne square straight forward.
香LanceAny number of squares straight forward.
桂KnightJumps forward in an L-shape.
銀SilverOne forward or diagonal step.
金GoldOne step except the two backward diagonals.
角BishopAny number of squares diagonally.
飛RookAny number of squares straight.
玉KingOne step in any direction.