Japanese Chess – Shogi – 将棋
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Tag: Sota Fujii

  • Osho Title Match Game 4: Takuya Nagase Wins and Reshapes the Series

    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. (more…)

  • Kioh Match 2026: Masuda’s Early Blow and What Game 2 Means for Fujii’s Defense

    By Galo S Mirth

    The 51st Kioh title match (KONAMI Group Cup) has quickly become one of the most important storylines of early 2026. In the official Japan Shogi Association news flow, challenger Yasuhiro Masuda is recorded as winner of Game 1 against title holder Sota Fujii. Game 2 is now a pressure point for the entire five game structure.

    Game 1 result and why it mattered immediately

    The JSA news listing includes the result line 「藤井聡太棋王VS増田康宏八段 第51期棋王戦コナミグループ杯五番勝負第1局 増田八段の勝利」 (updated 2026-02-08). In a best of five, a challenger taking the opening game changes everything. It compresses the champion’s margin for error and forces earlier strategic adaptation than in a seven game title format. (more…)

  • Shogi 2023 in Review

    By Galo S Mirth

    For shogi fans, 2023 felt like one of those years when the whole map of the game shifts. The headline was Sota Fujii completing the eight-title sweep by taking the Oza title in October, but the year also had major title-match stories, women’s title momentum, and a strong sense that shogi’s public presence kept growing.

    This review highlights the biggest developments in professional and cultural terms, with links to Japanese primary sources.

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  • Shogi 2020 in Review

    By Galo S Mirth

    2020 was one of the most memorable years in modern shogi. It was the year of major title transitions, the formal expansion to eight major titles, and the breakthrough that turned Sota Fujii from a rising star into a central figure of the professional scene. It was also a year when the pandemic forced organizers, players, and fans to adapt quickly.

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  • Shogi 2018 in Review

    By Galo S Mirth

    2018 was one of the most eventful years in modern shogi. The title map changed repeatedly, a long run of one-crown holders returned for the first time in decades, and new names took major stages in both men’s and women’s title events. It was also a year when online broadcasting and pop culture ties made shogi more visible to general audiences.

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