By Galo S Mirth
COVID-19 disrupted the shogi world at every level. Professional title matches, qualifier events, local classes, and amateur tournaments all had to adjust quickly from 2020 onward.
This article looks at how the scene adapted and which changes stayed after the emergency years.
Early shock in 2020
When infection waves began in 2020, organizers reduced in-person attendance, changed event operations, and prioritized health measures. The Japan Shogi Association and major media partners continued key title events, but with tighter controls and revised logistics.
At the same time, many local and amateur activities were paused or moved online. This created a clear split between elite matches that could maintain production systems and smaller communities that depended on physical gathering space.
Professional adaptation
- Venue protocols: stricter access rules, distancing, and hygiene procedures.
- Broadcast focus: stronger emphasis on digital viewing and commentary products.
- Schedule flexibility: adjustments to event timing and operations when needed.
One important result was audience behavior. More fans followed games through streaming and online summaries, including viewers who had not regularly watched long title series before.
Amateur and community effects
For clubs, schools, and local circles, interruptions were often harder. In-person teaching and weekend events were not always replaceable. Still, online tools, puzzle platforms, and remote study groups helped keep many players connected until physical activities resumed.
Lasting changes
The pandemic period accelerated a hybrid model in shogi culture. In-person events returned, but digital spectatorship remained stronger than before 2020. Fans now expect easy access to streams, clips, and quick commentary alongside traditional print and venue-based coverage.
Sources (Japanese)
- Wikipedia日本語版「日本における新型コロナウイルス感染症の流行」: https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E3%81%AB%E3%81%8A%E3%81%91%E3%82%8B%E6%96%B0%E5%9E%8B%E3%82%B3%E3%83%AD%E3%83%8A%E3%82%A6%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB%E3%82%B9%E6%84%9F%E6%9F%93%E7%97%87%E3%81%AE%E6%B5%81%E8%A1%8C
- Wikipedia日本語版「将棋」(主要棋戦・運営の基礎情報): https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%B0%86%E6%A3%8B
- 日本将棋連盟 公式サイト: https://www.shogi.or.jp/
- ABEMA 将棋チャンネル: https://abema.tv/now-on-air/shogi