Latest news with #JapanShogiAssociation
Kyodo News
3 days ago
- Sport
- Kyodo News
Japan's shogi board game ass'n has 1st female chief
KYODO NEWS - 5 hours ago - 09:46 | All, Japan Japan's leading shogi organization on Friday picked the first female chief in its 101-year history as part of efforts to encourage more young people, including women, to participate in the traditional Japanese board game. Ichiyo Shimizu, a pro shogi player herself, succeeded Yoshiharu Habu, a 54-year-old master, as president of the Japan Shogi Association for a two-year term. "It's a great honor to assume this significant role," Shimizu, 56, told a press conference, adding that she will work to further liven up the shogi industry by trying new things while continuing to hand down its traditions. The association also approved a new promotional rule Friday that its leaders hope will help more women become pros. The Tokyo native turned pro in 1985 and has won 43 championships in the women's league under the association. She holds the rank of seventh dan in the league. Habu took the presidential post in June 2023 and led events that marked the 100th anniversary of the association last year. In April, he said he would not serve a second term. Related coverage: Shogi prodigy Fujii loses 1 of 8 titles to rising star Ito
The Mainichi
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Japan's shogi board game association has 1st female chief
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's leading shogi organization on Friday picked the first female chief in its 101-year history as part of efforts to encourage more young people, including women, to participate in the traditional Japanese board game. Ichiyo Shimizu, a pro shogi player herself, succeeded Yoshiharu Habu, a 54-year-old master, as president of the Japan Shogi Association for a two-year term. "It's a great honor to assume this significant role," Shimizu, 56, told a press conference, adding that she will work to further liven up the shogi industry by trying new things while continuing to hand down its traditions. The association also approved a new promotional rule Friday that its leaders hope will help more women become pros. The Tokyo native turned pro in 1985 and has won 43 championships in the women's league under the association. She holds the rank of seventh dan in the league. Habu took the presidential post in June 2023 and led events that marked the 100th anniversary of the association last year. In April, he said he would not serve a second term.
Kyodo News
3 days ago
- Sport
- Kyodo News
Japan's shogi board game ass'n has 1st female chief
KYODO NEWS - 4 minutes ago - 09:46 | All, Japan Japan's leading shogi organization on Friday picked the first female chief in its 101-year history as part of efforts to encourage more young people, including women, to participate in the traditional Japanese board game. Ichiyo Shimizu, a pro shogi player herself, succeeded Yoshiharu Habu, a 54-year-old master, as president of the Japan Shogi Association for a two-year term. "It's a great honor to assume this significant role," Shimizu, 56, told a press conference, adding that she will work to further liven up the shogi industry by trying new things while continuing to hand down its traditions. The association also approved a new promotional rule Friday that its leaders hope will help more women become pros. The Tokyo native turned pro in 1985 and has won 43 championships in the women's league under the association. She holds the rank of seventh dan in the league. Habu took the presidential post in June 2023 and led events that marked the 100th anniversary of the association last year. In April, he said he would not serve a second term. Related coverage: Shogi prodigy Fujii loses 1 of 8 titles to rising star Ito
Asahi Shimbun
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Asahi Shimbun
VOX POPULI: Gender gap in professional shogi poses a complex puzzle
Tomoka Nishiyama, a professional shogi player, after losing the fifth game of an exam match during an attempt to become the first female professional player in the regular league (Asahi Shimbun file photo) The system of 'joryu kishi,' which recognizes women as professional players of shogi, a traditional Japanese board game similar to chess, was established in 1974 by the Japan Shogi Association. At the time, there was a significant skill gap between men and women in the world of shogi, and all professional players, or 'kishi,' were male. The creation of the joryu kishi system aimed to provide a separate platform for women, encouraging their active participation and growth within the game. The system was designed with the hope that, over time, 'josei kishi'—women who would be recognized as full-fledged professional players under the same criteria as male kishi—would emerge. Half a century has passed since the establishment of the joryu kishi system, and we are now on the brink of seeing a woman break through. However, no woman has yet achieved the rank of kishi—a professional player of 4-dan or higher who belongs to the association. In the world of professional chess, where there was once a significant gender gap, women have long been prominent participants. So why hasn't the same happened in shogi? The Japan Shogi Association is now planning to create a new system allowing joryu kishi players to join the ranks of kishi, regardless of gender. It is said that a path will be opened for women to become kishi based solely on their performance in women's tournaments, without the need to compete directly against men. Given that the path to becoming a professional player is already challenging for men, this proposal has sparked both support and opposition. 'We hope this initiative will inspire joryu kishi players to aim even higher,' said Yoshiharu Habu, president of the association and one of the most legendary figures in the game's history. Habu is known for his 'magic'—a unique mastery that can transform even the most ordinary-looking moves, not to mention brilliant tactical ones, into decisive elements on the board as the game unfolds. What will come of this move he's made now? From an outsider's perspective, it seems there are other reforms that deserve attention first. With the current grueling tournament schedules, the intellectual rigor of shogi is increasingly becoming a test of physical endurance—potentially placing female players at a disadvantage. The case of a pregnant player being forced to forfeit a match due to health issues starkly highlights how outdated some of the system's assumptions remain. Akiko Takojima, the first joryu kishi, once wrote: 'The 'male and female' 'tsume shogi' (mating puzzle) is too difficult for me—it makes me sigh.' In truth, there is no such thing as 'women's shogi' or 'men's shogi.' There is only the pure pursuit of the highest level of play, and the genuine joy of those who dedicate themselves to the game. So what, then, is standing in the way? —The Asahi Shimbun, April 25 * * * Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
