Top players showcase intense tactics: Hirose Akihito 9-dan (far left) and Toyoshima Masayuki 9-dan (second from right)

The first round, third game of the “Shogi Japan Series JT Pro Official Tournament Hokkaido Event” (organized by the Japan Shogi Association and Hokkaido Shimbun) took place in Sapporo Convention Center, Shiroishi Ward, Sapporo. Hirose Akihito 9-dan (38) triumphed in a heated match against Toyoshima Masayuki 9-dan (35). Hirose will next face Nagase Takuya 9-dan (32) in the second round, third game on August 30 in Takamatsu.

The series features 12 top-ranked players competing across 11 venues nationwide. Around 1,000 attendees, including participants of the “Table Mark Children’s Tournament” for elementary school students held before the pro matches, were present.

The game began with Hirose, playing first, adopting his favored double-wing formation. Both players pushed their strengths to the limit in a tense battle. Hirose countered Toyoshima’s bold attacks and sealed the win with precise endgame tactics.

The children’s tournament saw 198 participants. Shionoya Kaito (3rd grade, Sapporo Nishizono Elementary) won the lower-grade division, while Hashizume Kotaro (5th grade, Brewer Island Elementary, California, USA) claimed the upper-grade title.

Sapporo Convention Center

The Sapporo Convention Center, located in Sapporo, Japan, is a modern facility designed for conferences, exhibitions, and events. Opened in 1998, it was built to support Hokkaido’s growing role in international business and tourism, particularly after the 1972 Winter Olympics. The center features versatile spaces, advanced technology, and is surrounded by scenic views, making it a key hub for both professional and cultural gatherings.

Shiroishi Ward

Shiroishi Ward is a district in southern Osaka, Japan, known for its historical significance as a former castle town during the Edo period. It is home to Shiroishi Shrine, a cultural landmark, and retains traditional charm with local festivals and historic streets. Today, the area blends its rich heritage with modern urban life, offering a mix of residential and commercial spaces.

Japan Shogi Association

The Japan Shogi Association (日本将棋連盟, Nihon Shōgi Renmei) is the governing body for the traditional Japanese board game shogi, established in 1924 to promote and organize the game. It oversees professional shogi players, tournaments, and rankings while preserving the game’s cultural heritage. The association also works to popularize shogi through events, publications, and educational programs.

Hokkaido Shimbun

The *Hokkaido Shimbun* is a major Japanese daily newspaper headquartered in Sapporo, Hokkaido, first published in 1887 as *Hokkai Times*. It serves as the primary news source for Hokkaido, covering regional and national news, and has played a key role in documenting the island’s development. Over time, it expanded its reach, becoming one of Japan’s leading regional newspapers with a strong influence in northern Japan.

Table Mark Children’s Tournament

The “Table Mark Children’s Tournament” appears to be a competitive event for children, possibly centered around table tennis or another table-based game, though specific historical details are limited. Such tournaments often aim to foster youth participation in sports, encouraging skill development and fair play. If “Table Mark” refers to a particular organization or location, additional context would help clarify its significance.

Sapporo Nishizono Elementary

Sapporo Nishizono Elementary School is a public elementary school located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. While specific historical details about the school are limited, it serves as a typical Japanese elementary institution, providing education to local children and reflecting Japan’s emphasis on community-based learning. The school likely follows the national curriculum, focusing on academic, social, and extracurricular development in a modern educational environment.

Brewer Island Elementary

Brewer Island Elementary is a public elementary school located in Foster City, California, serving students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Established in the mid-20th century, it is part of the San Mateo-Foster City School District and is known for its strong academic programs and community involvement. The school is situated near the scenic Brewer Island, which was named after early settler John Brewer, reflecting the area’s historical roots.