Sota Fujii, the youngest-ever holder of two major titles in the world of shogi, secured the Oi title just 35 days after winning his first title, the Kisei.
Securing the so-called double crown aged 18 years 1 month, Fujii broke the previous record of 21 years 11 months old set by Yoshiharu Habu, now at the highest level of ninth dan. Fujii at the same time became the youngest-ever shogi player to be promoted to eighth dan.
This is an accomplishment that can bring some cheer to society amid the coronavirus-induced gloom. His achievements will also surely be an inspiration to high school students of his generation.
Fujii swept title defender Kazuki Kimura when he competed for the first time in a best-of-seven series, in which each match lasts two days. Fujii excited fans at the start of the second day in the fourth match with his sealed move, sacrificing a hisha (rook), a major piece, to launch a bold offensive.
Two years ago, the shogi world saw its eight major titles in the hands of eight players. Fujii's latest victory has heralded the arrival of a new era in which it is dominated by the teen and three others: Akira Watanabe, who holds three titles; Masayuki Toyoshima, the Ryuo titleholder; and Takuya Nagase, who holds the remaining two.
Hopes are growing that Fujii, who is much younger than the other titleholders, will rise to the top of the shogi world in the Reiwa era, following in the footsteps of Habu, who earned the eisei nanakan lifetime honor in seven titles in the Heisei era.
Fujii has not experienced a slump in performance since his debut as a professional shogi player. He has maintained a winning percentage of over 80%, despite being now considered a strong contender whose matches are analyzed by opponents. The driving force behind his growth is a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Official matches were not held for about two months due to the coronavirus epidemic. Fujii reportedly spent this period carefully studying his past matches. He deserves praise for making the most of his time at home and continuing efforts to improve his skills without becoming complacent.
Players' personalities are under the spotlight in modern shogi as computer software has become so powerful it can anticipate a player's next moves. It is refreshing to see Fujii bow deeply to his opponents at the end of matches.
His opponents have also been gracious in defeat.
After losing the Kisei title to Fujii, Watanabe admitted in a blog post that the defeat was beyond his imagination. "I have no choice but to find a way to compete with him by making the most of my strengths," he wrote.
Kimura, who conceded the Oi title -- which he earned by becoming the oldest-ever player to win a first major title -- also pledged a comeback, saying, "I will work hard all over again." Respect for shogi has surely been reaffirmed.
Many children may have become interested in shogi because of their admiration for Fujii. The Japan Shogi Association would surely be interested in exploiting this opportunity. However, the organization is having difficulties due to coronavirus measures that are preventing it from holding such events as amateur competitions.
The association must focus on ways to promote shogi in the long term. While respecting the value of a traditional cultural pastime that is rooted in courtesy, the organization is urged to nurture the next generation of shogi enthusiasts.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on Aug. 23, 2020.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
