By Galo S Mirth
The ALSOK Cup 75th Osho title match took a decisive turn in Game 4. According to the Japan Shogi Association news listing, challenger Takuya Nagase won Game 4 against Osho Sota Fujii. Coming after Nagase’s Game 3 win, the result changed the emotional and strategic balance of the seven game match before Game 5.
Game 4 result and current match score
The official JSA news stream records 「藤井聡太王将VS永瀬拓矢九段 ALSOK杯第75期王将戦七番勝負第4局 永瀬九段の勝利」 (updated 2026-02-18). With Nagase also listed as winner of Game 3 in the same official stream, the match narrative has shifted from a Fujii control scenario to a level, high pressure race toward the final stages.
Key strategic meaning of the win
Even before full move by move technical reviews, a Game 4 challenger win in a best of seven carries clear strategic consequences. The title holder’s margin for error narrows, opening preparation for both sides becomes more sensitive, and each time management decision in the next game carries amplified weight. In practical terms, Game 5 now functions as the pivotal momentum game rather than a routine middle game of the series.
Comparing Games 1 to 3 with the new situation
Early phases of major title matches often look like long information gathering, where each side probes opening plans and endgame tendencies. The two consecutive Nagase wins in Games 3 and 4 suggest that his adaptations between games are working under championship time controls. For Fujii’s camp, the key question is whether to prioritize opening novelty in Game 5 or trust stability and deep middlegame execution.
What this means before Game 5
- Psychology: Nagase enters with restored belief and practical momentum.
- Preparation: Both sides must assume targeted prep on all prior game branches.
- Series pressure: The next result can redefine championship probability in one day.
- Audience attention: JSA notices and broadcast announcements indicate strong public demand for the remaining games.
What to watch in the next game
Watch for three signals in Game 5: first, whether either side makes a major opening family switch; second, whether the pace accelerates in early middlegame; third, whether endgame simplification is used as a risk control tool. In a now balanced series, these small choices can decide the title.
Sources (Japanese)
- 日本将棋連盟「将棋ニュース一覧」(第75期王将戦第3局・第4局の結果掲載): https://www.shogi.or.jp/news/
- 日本将棋連盟「日本将棋連盟主催棋戦一覧」(ALSOK杯王将戦の公式導線): https://www.shogi.or.jp/match/