Shogi Event in Japan’s Fukui Pref. Lets Children Play Against Top Players
AWARA, Fukui — Children recently got the chance to play against six top shogi players at an event held at Seifuso, a traditional inn, in Awara, Fukui Prefecture.
AWARA, Fukui — Six seasoned shogi professionals recently welcomed 76 elementary, junior high, and high school students to Seifuso, a traditional inn, for a unique opportunity to play against top-tier players. The Aug. 23 event aimed to teach children how to effectively play the ancient Japanese board game.
The second match of the best-of-seven Ryuo series took place between eighth-dan shogi master Yuki Sasaki and Ryuo title holder Sota Fujii in both 2024 and 2025. Sasaki and ninth-dan Akira Watanabe were among the event organizers.
Watanabe provided insightful commentary during the matches, offering encouragement and advice to the young players. He suggested moves like "Try to use the ‘gold general’ piece last" and praised the children's enthusiasm.
Children, such as 10-year-old fourth-grader Masaki Takaoka, expressed satisfaction in understanding their shogi weaknesses and the fun they had playing alongside professional players. Takaoka's twin brother Tomoki, on the other hand, admitted to being nervous when playing against Watanabe and other professionals but found the experience enjoyable.
Sasaki shared his first-time experience at the event, stating that the children were exceptionally enthusiastic. Watanabe acknowledged that everyone present outshone his expectations, expressing hope that the event provided the children with a valuable and enjoyable shogi experience.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
