Editorial

17:41 JST, June 30, 2025

For the first time in its more than 100-year history, the Japan Shogi Association will be led by a woman. Although shogi is widely viewed as a game for men, it is hoped that this appointment will encourage more women to take up the game, and bring new energy to the shogi world.

The association has selected joryu seventh-dan Ichiyo Shimizu for its president. Shimizu has so far won a total of 43 titles in the women’s joryu league, the second most in history, and she has been a leading figure in women’s shogi.

The association has worked hard to improve the system for professional shogi players and bring new energy to title series. All previous presidents had been male players, including ninth-dan Yoshiharu Habu, who served as president before Shimizu. Shimizu’s appointment could be........

© The Japan News