The third game of the Oza title match best-of-five series, where Sota Fujii aims for his third consecutive championship, has begun in Nagoya.
In the Oza title best-of-five series where Fujii, originally from Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, faces challenger Takumi Ito, the third game started at 9:00 AM at Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel with Ito making the first move.
In the Oza title match, the first player to win three games claims the championship title. Fujii won the opening match decisively but suffered a comeback defeat in the previous second game, tying the series at 1-1.
Ito is Fujii’s same-age rival who captured a title from Fujii in June last year when Fujii held all eight major titles. The crucial third game, which will determine whether Fujii moves closer to his third consecutive championship or Ito moves closer to becoming a double-title holder, is expected to conclude tonight.
Oza title
The Oza title is a traditional chieftaincy title within the Esan ethnic group of Edo State, Nigeria. Historically, an Oza is a respected community leader or clan head who serves as a custodian of culture, mediates disputes, and guides the people. The title is part of a deep-rooted system of traditional governance that has been preserved for generations.
Nagoya
Nagoya is a major Japanese city in the Chūbu region of central Honshu, historically part of the Owari Province. It is renowned for Nagoya Castle, which was built in the early 17th century by the Tokugawa shogunate and served as a key strategic and cultural seat of power. Today, the city is a modern industrial and economic hub, known for its manufacturing, including the Toyota Motor Corporation.
Seto City
Seto City, located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, is one of the country’s most historic pottery centers, with a ceramic tradition dating back over 1,000 years. Known for a distinctive style called Seto ware, the city flourished during the Kamakura period (1185–1333) and became a major producer of glazed ceramics. Today, it remains a hub for ceramics, home to numerous kilns, museums, and the renowned Seto-Gura craft beer brewery.
Aichi Prefecture
Aichi Prefecture, located in central Japan, is a major industrial and cultural hub historically known as the home of the powerful Owari and Mikawa samurai clans. It is most famous for Nagoya Castle, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and as the modern-day headquarters of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The region also preserves traditional arts such as Noritake porcelain and has a rich samurai heritage.
Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel
The Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel is a luxury hotel located directly above JR Nagoya Station, within the JR Central Towers. It opened in 2000 as part of a major redevelopment of the station area and is renowned for its convenient access and high-floor views of the city. The hotel is a key component of one of Japan’s largest combined station and skyscraper complexes.
