Official News Release
Fujii Sota Becomes Youngest Double Crown and 8-dan in History
Category:
Published at: 2020-08-20 08:45
Original site: https://www.shogi.or.jp/news/2020/08/post_1941.html?utm_source=rss
The fourth game of the 61st Oi Tournament seven-game match, where 18-year-old Fujii Souta is challenging 47-year-old Kimura Kazuki Oi, was held at Ohori Koen Nogakudo in Fukuoka, Fukuoka prefecture on August 19 and 20. Fujii beat Kimura and gained the Oi title. As a result, Fujii met the promotion criteria of “winning a title twice” to become 8-dan. Aged 18 years old and one month, Fujii became the youngest player in shogi history to become 8-dan, breaking the record of Kato Hifumi’s 18 years old and three months for the first time in 62 years. Fujii also became the youngest to become a double crown winner, breaking the record of Habu Yoshiharu’s 21 years old and 11 months for the first time in 28 years.
Ranking | Name | Date of Birth | Date of winning the second title | Age of winning the second title |
Name of the second title |
Title held at the time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Fujii Sota | July 19, 2002 | August 20, 2020 | 18 years old and 1 month | The 61st Oi | Kisei |
2 | Habu Yoshiharu | September 27, 1970 | September 22, 1992 | 21 years old and 11 months | The 40th Ouza | Kio |
3 | Nakahara Makoto (Retired) |
September 2, 1947 | January 12, 1971 | 23 years old and 4 months | The 17th Kisei | 10-dan |
4 | Minami Yoshikazu | June 8, 1963 | March 25, 1988 | 24 years old and 9 months | The 37th Osho | Kisei |
5 | Tanigawa Koji | April 6, 1962 | April 5, 1988 | 25 years old and 11 months | The 13th Kio | Oi |
*The records of youngest players to hold two titles at the same time.
Ranking | Name | Date of birth | Date of becoming 8-dan | Age | Promotion criteria |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Fujii Sota | July 19, 2002 | August 20, 2020 | 18 years old and 1 month | Winning a title twice |
2 | Kato Hifumi (Retired) |
January 1, 1940 | April 1, 1958 | 18 years old and 3 months | Being promoted to A class in the Meijin tournament |
3 | Tanigawa Koji | April 6, 1962 | April 1, 1982 | 19 years old and 11 months | Being promoted to A class in the Meijin tournament |
4 | Watanabe Akira | April 23, 1984 | November 17, 2005 | 21 years old and 6 months | Winning a Ryuo title |
5 | Habu Yoshiharu | September 27, 1970 | April 1, 1993 | 22 years old and 6 months | Being promoted to A class in the Meijin tournament |
Name | Date of birth | Date of becoming 8-dan | Age | Promotion criteria |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kimura Yoshio | February 21, 1905 | April 13, 1926 | 21 years old and 1 month | Promotion criteria met |
*The record of the 14th lifetime Meijin Kimura Yoshio is shown as a reference record, since it was set in the Taisho era under the different criteria.
**The promotion criteria of “winning two titles” to become 8-dan was set on June 1, 2018.
Congratulatory Comments
- Sato Yasumitsu, Chairman of Japan Shogi Association
I would like to congratulate Fujii’s winning the Oi title. Becoming the youngest double crown winner and 8-dan in shogi history is truly remarkable. I hope he will continue to strive for excellence and aim even higher.
- Kato Hifumi, 9-dan
I would like to congratulate Fujii from the bottom of my heart for his great achievement of becoming a double crown winner and 8-dan at the youngest age. No matter how much the AI-based study will flourish, I hope Fujii will pursue excitement on the board and enliven the shogi world with his artistic moves, which can only be discovered by human's pursuit and aspiration.
- Habu Yoshiharu, 9-dan
Holding multiple titles in one's teens is surely an unprecedented, incredible record. However, by looking at his great games that he has shown us recently, I also feel there is no wonder for his achievement. I’m looking forward to his future success as a front-runner in the evolution of shogi.
- Sugimoto Masataka, 8-dan and Fujii’s master
I feel so happy about Fujii Kisei’s gaining the Oi title, and also becoming 8-dan at the youngest age. I am astonished every time he goes beyond our expectation and anticipation. Even though he has now become a multiple crown holder, he’s still on his way. I hope he will aim even higher and go as far as he can.
Fujii Kisei Beats Kimura Oi — 61st Oi Tournament 7-game Match, 4th Game
Category:
Published at: 2020-08-20 08:00
Original site: https://www.shogi.or.jp/news/2020/08/200819_n_result_01.html?utm_source=rss
The fourth game of the 61st Oi Tournament seven-game match, where Fujii Souta Kisei is challenging Kimura Kazuki Oi, was held at Ohori Koen Nogakudo in Fukuoka, Fukuoka prefecture on August 19 and 20. Fujii beat Kimura with 80 moves to win the match 4-0, and gained the Oi title for the first time.
Fujii will also be promoted to 8-dan, meeting the promotion criteria of “winning a title twice.”
Becoming a double crown and becoming 8-dan at the age of 18 years old and one month are both the youngest records in shogi history.
Watanabe Akira Wins Meijin Title 6th Game of 78th Meijin Championship 7-game Match
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Published at: 2020-08-15 08:00
Original site: https://www.shogi.or.jp/news/2020/08/200814_n_result_01.html?utm_source=rss
Watanabe Akira the double crown defeated Toyoshima Masayuki Meijin with 4th wins and won Meijin title by winning at 6th Game of 78th Meijin Championship 7-game held at Kansai Shogi Kikan in Osaka-shi, Osaka prefecture on August 14th and 15th (Fri, Sat). Watanabe achieved Meijin title for the first time ever in his career.
Hoshino Yoshitaka 4-Dan promoted to 5-Dan
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Published at: 2020-08-14 07:55
Original site: https://www.shogi.or.jp/news/2020/08/post_1937.html?utm_source=rss
Hoshino Yoshitaka4-Dan, aged 32, has been promoted to 5-Dan by winning the game described below.
- Date of promotion
- August 13, 2020 (Thu)
- Game
- The 79rd Junisen C-2 class
(Oppnent:Kondo Masakazu6-Dan) - Promotion criteria met:
- Winning 100 official games
Wada Hana becomes female professional 2-kyū from Sep 2020
Category:
Published at: 2020-08-07 05:05
Original site: https://www.shogi.or.jp/news/2020/08/92.html?utm_source=rss
Wada Hana, a member of B2 class at Kanto Kenshū Kai, aged 18, submitted the application for a certificate of female professional eligibility. She will become a female professional 2-kyū at Tokyo headquarters from Sep 1st 2020. The badge number assigned will be 69. As she is a younger sister of Wada Aki , a female professional 1-dan, Wada sisters will be the 4th female professional sisters followed by Nakakura sisters, Ōba sisters and Satomi sisters.
- Name
- Wada Hana
- Birthdate
- January 14th 2002(18 years old)
- Birthplace
- Wako-shi, Saitama prefecture
- Educational Background
- Currently attending Waseda University
- Master
- Fujikura Yuki 5-dan
- Admission to Kenshū Kai
- October 2011
- Tactical Approach
- Central Rook (中飛車 Nakabisha)
- Achievement
- Winner of the 46th Women's Amateur Meijin Tournament
- Hobby
- Watching baseball
- Trigger of playing shogi
- She learned how to play shogi by watching her family's games.
Satoh Shuji 7-dan promoted to 8-dan
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Published at: 2020-08-03 05:00
Original site: https://www.shogi.or.jp/news/2020/08/post_1933.html?utm_source=rss
Sato Shuji 7-dan, aged 53, has been promoted to 8-dan by winning the following game.
- Date of promotion:
- July 31st 2020(Fri)
- Game:
- The 1st elimination round of the 14th Asahi Cup Open
(Opponent: Hiura Ichiro 8-dan) - Promotion criteria met:
- 190 wins in the official games after 7-dan promotion
5th game of 5th Eio Tournament 7 game Match
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Published at: 2020-07-23 12:00
Original site: https://www.shogi.or.jp/news/2020/07/200723_n_result_01.html?utm_source=rss
The 5th game of the 5th Eiō Tournament 7 game match, where Toyoshima Masayuki Ryuo Meijin is challenging Nagase Takuya Eiō , was held at Shogi Kaikan in Tokyo, on July 23(Thu). Nagase Takuya Eiō won this game with 113 moves and his performance is currently 2 wins 1 lose 2 impasses of 7 game match.
The 6th game will take place at Kansai Shoi Kaikan, Osaka prefecture on August 1 (Sat).
New Release : Dan Diploma with additional signature of youngest title holder Fujii Kisei
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Published at: 2020-07-22 08:15
Original site: https://www.shogi.or.jp/news/2020/07/post_1931.html?utm_source=rss
The record for the youngest to win a major title has been broken for the first time in 30 years! A signature of Fujii Souta can be added to Dan Diploma according to your preferences.

Fujii Souta 7-dan (17 years old) defeated Watanabe Akira Kisei in the 4th game of The 91st Hulic Cup on July 16th 2020, and won the Kisei title with 3 wins and 1 loss. He became the youngest professional Shogi player to win a title at age 17 years and 11 months, a record for the first time in 30 years. In commemoration of this achievement, Dan Diploma with additional signature of Fujii Souta new Kisei will be released. Please take this opportunity to apply for the certification as a proof of your efforts.
For those who will apply, a printed miniature paperboard of Fujii Souta Kisei as a present.
- Application Period
- From 1st August 2020 to 31st October 2020
- Dan Applicable
- From 1-dan to 6-dan
(A prior inquiry is required when you apply from 7-dan or more. The Board of Directors will review your application and contact you.) - Number of Dan Diploma released
- 600 pieces(The number of pieces released in each dan is limited.)
- Application Requirements
- ・Nomination of professionals, branch heads, instructors and federation dojos
・Those who have a Shogi World Diploma or a recommendation letter of diploma for various certifications.
・Those who have an official diploma and a 1-kyu certification or higher(You may apply for the next higher dan) - Application Method
- Applications will be accepted at Rakuten and Yahoo! Shopping from 1st August 2020.
- Contact Information (e.g. for inquiry)
- 〒151-8516 The Japan Shogi Association, Public Interest Incorporated Association, Diploma department
TEL:03-3408-6168 FAX:03-3404-7301
E-mail:nintei@shogi.or.jp
Application fee (incl. tax) | |
---|---|
1-dan | 44,000 yen |
2-dan | 55,000 yen |
3-dan | 66,000 yen |
4-dan | 88,000 yen |
5-dan | 121,000 yen |
6-dan | 286,000 yen |
※11,000 yen (incl. tax) will be added to the normal fee. |
※It will take more than two months to issue a diploma. We kindly ask for your understanding.
※Notes for Application : If you have an application form, please fill out the form and submit it. For those who don't have an application form, please contact us by email or fax to the following address.
Notice : Changes in demotion criteria of C-class 2nd group
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Published at: 2020-07-20 04:45
Original site: https://www.shogi.or.jp/news/2020/07/c_1.html?utm_source=rss
At the 71st Regular General Meeting, the new demotion criteria of C-class 2nd group has been approved as follows.
Changes in demotion criteria of C-class 2nd group |
---|
Current : 1 per 5 people |
↓ |
From the 80th promotion games : 1 per 4.5 people |
※The demotion criteria is subject to change if necessary, depending on future circumstances of demotions to Free Class and moving-outs.
Fujii Sota 7-dan becomes youngest to win major title!
Category:
Published at: 2020-07-16 10:30
Original site: https://www.shogi.or.jp/news/2020/07/200716_n_fujiisota_record.html?utm_source=rss
The 4th game of 91st Hulic Cup Kisei Championship 5-Games Title Match was held today, Thursday, July 16, at the Kansai Shogi Kaikan in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. Fujii Souta 7-dan (17 years old) defeated Watanabe Akira Kisei and won the Kisei title with 3 wins and 1 loss. He became the youngest professional shogi player to win a title at age 17 years and 11 months, a record for the first time in 30 years.
No. | Name | Birthdate | Date of winning | Age at winning | Name of a title |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Fujii Souta | 19 Jul 2002 | 16 Jul 2020 | 17 years 11 months | The 91st Hulic's Cup Kisei Championship |
2 | Yashiki Nobuyuki | 18 Jan 1972 | 1 Aug 1990 | 18 years 6 months | The 56th Kisei Championship |
3 | Habu Yoshiharu | 27 Sep 1970 | 27 Dec 1989 | 19 years 3 months | The 2nd Ryuo Tournament |
4 | Watanabe Akira | 23 Apr 1984 | 28 Dec 2004 | 20 years 8 months | The 17th Ryuo Tournament |
5 | Nakahara Makoto (Retired) |
2 Sep 1947 | 19 Jul 1968 | 20 years 10 months | The 12th Kisei Championship |
6 | Tanigawa Koji | 6 Apr 1962 | 15 Jun 1983 | 21 years 2 months | The 41st Meijin-sen Tournament |
7 | Goda Masataka | 17 Mar 1971 | 9 Sep 1992 | 21 years 5 months | The 33rd Ōi Tournament |
8 | Miura Hiroyuki | 13 Feb 1974 | 30 Jul 1996 | 22 years 5 months | The 67h Kisei Championship |
9 | Tsukada Yasuaki | 16 Nov 1964 | 21 Oct 1987 | 22 years 11 months | The 35th Ōza Tournament |
10 | Nakamura Osamu | 7 Nov 1962 | 14 March 1986 | 23 years 4 months | The 35th Ōsho Tournament |
※The Kisei Championships are held twice a year until the 65th games.
Name | Bithdate | Date of winning | Age at winning | Name of a title |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kimura Kazuki | 23 Jun 1973 | 26 Sep 2019 | 46 years 3 months | The 60th Ōi Tournament |
Comments from officials
- 【Comment from Sato Yasumitsu(the president of the Japan Shogi Association)】
Congratulations on your first winning of a major title. It was a brilliant victory. As the new Kisei title holder, Fujii Sota, has already completed a lot of great achievements, so that I think this marvelous record will not be easily broken. We wish your continued success.
- 【Comment from Habu Yoshiharu 9-dan】
Having been very impressed with his recent successes, I thought that it was just a matter of time for him to win a major title. The performance in the game was brilliant and led people to remember even for the years to come. I hope that he will continue to play an active role as one of pioneers who opens up a new path for the shogi world in the future.
- 【Comment from Yashiki Nobuyuki 9-dan】
Congratulations to Fujii Sota, the new Kisei title holder, on winning a major title.
Although everyone, especially shogi fans throughout Japan, held their breath to see who would win, it was great to see you competed with aplomb and got a great result. The other title tournaments to participate in will be scheduled in succession, so I expect you to create a great shogi games culture and history.
- 【Comment from Sugimoto Masataka 8-dan】
I am glad your winning of the Kisei and becoming its title holder.
I was sure that this day would come when I first met you as a boy in elementary school 10 years ago.
With your title winning, one of my goal and the dream of my master, Itaya Susumu 9-dan, has been fulfilled.
Please cherish the title you brought back to Tokai region and try to keep it forever.
Hoping that you will never forget the happiness of being able to play shogi as one of professional players and your feeling of gratitude towards people having supported you. I hope I will grow up to be a great player. Let me express our hope for your growth with great achievements in your future.