By Galo S Mirth
Mid-February 2026 brought a cluster of smaller but meaningful shogi updates. None of these items was a title-match result on its own, but together they show how publishing, education programs, local event tie-ins, and legacy media all support the wider shogi ecosystem.
Shogi Sekai subscription plan with a special supplement
On February 18, the Japan Shogi Association news page announced a regular subscription plan for Shogi Sekai that includes a separate special supplement booklet. This is a media product move, but it also matters for fan retention because periodic print and digital reading habits still shape how many supporters follow players, opening trends, and longer-form analysis outside live broadcasts.
Online Shogi School opens beginner-course registration
On February 9, the JSA announced registration for new beginner-focused courses in its Online Shogi School. This is a practical growth channel: beginner-friendly online instruction lowers barriers for first-time learners and gives local communities more entry points, especially for people without nearby in-person classes.
Osho Match Game 5 eve event and regional partnership
On February 6, the JSA posted details for the Osho title match Game 5 eve event in Otawara under the second phase of the Ikkon Ikkyoku Project. The campaign linked the event with local sake and a custom design can giveaway. This type of regional tie-in shows how major title events are being used to connect shogi with local culture and tourism rather than only the board result itself.
Rebroadcast notice for Hifumi Kato tribute programming
On February 4, the JSA carried a notice about an NHK rebroadcast related to 9-dan Hifumi Kato memorial programming. Tribute broadcasts help preserve intergenerational memory in shogi, introducing newer audiences to historical figures while giving long-time fans a shared point of reflection.
Why these updates matter together
These stories point to the same structural theme: shogi growth depends on more than elite title games. Publishing pipelines, beginner education, local collaboration events, and legacy-focused broadcasts all reinforce the sport and culture around professional competition.
Sources (Japanese)
- 日本将棋連盟ニュース（2026-02-18）「『将棋世界」別冊付き定期購読プランのお知らせ」
https://www.shogi.or.jp/news/2026/02/post_2538.html - 日本将棋連盟ニュース（2026-02-09）「【オンライン将棋スクール】初心者向け新講座 受講申し込み受付開始のご案内」
https://www.shogi.or.jp/news/2026/02/post_2535.html - 日本将棋連盟ニュース（2026-02-06）「【一献一局プロジェクト第2弾】王将戦第5局 前夜祭（大田原）で 大田原の地酒・オリジナルデザイン缶を抽選でプレゼント（20歳以上限定）」
https://www.shogi.or.jp/news/2026/02/post_2533.html - 日本将棋連盟ニュース（2026-02-04）「加藤一二三九段 追悼番組のお知らせ｜NHK（再放送）」
https://www.shogi.or.jp/news/2026/02/post_2531.html