The 37th Ryuo Championship Best of Seven: First Round Eve

A pre-event party was held at the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel on the 4th, ahead of the first game of the 37th Ryuo Championship Best of Seven, which will be held at the Cerulean Tower Noh Theater in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo from the 5th. We had the opportunity to cover the event.

Akitoshi Muraoka, President and CEO, Yomiuri Shimbun Tokyo Headquarters
　This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Japan Shogi Association and the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Yomiuri Shimbun. At the Federation's 100th anniversary commemorative ceremony, Chairman Yoshiharu Habu gave a speech, mentioning that "As print culture, such as newspapers, flourished, the Shogi Association also rode that wave and developed, and was able to make great strides as an organization." This is truly a trajectory in which the shogi world and newspapers have worked hand in hand.
　In this season's best-of-seven match, Ryuo Fujii is defending his title for the fourth consecutive year, while 8th-dan Sasaki is challenging for his first title. These two have a history, as it was 8th-dan Sasaki who ended Ryuo Fujii's 29-game winning streak since his debut. The game that attracted attention from all over Japan was actually the second round of the final tournament of the Ryuo tournament. Seven years later, the two will finally battle it out for the pinnacle of the shogi world. We are sure it will be a historic best-of-seven match. We look forward to it together with everyone.

◆Yoshiharu Habu, Chairman of the Japan Shogi Association

◆Deputy Mayor of Shibuya Ward, Kaori Matsuzawa

　It is extremely significant that the first game of the Ryuo Championship, the pinnacle of the shogi world, will be held in Shibuya. Ryuo Souta Fujii has repeatedly broken records as the youngest player to win the title, and last year he became the first player in history to win eight titles. This time, he will be aiming for his fourth consecutive title, and I look forward to seeing him in action. His opponent, 4th-dan player Yuki Sasaki, is famous for having previously stopped Ryuo Souta Fujii's 30-game winning streak in official matches. I understand that this will be his first title match, and I hope he will take on the challenge. Furthermore, as the Shogi Association celebrates its 100th anniversary, the new Shogi Hall was unveiled in front of Sendagaya Station. I am delighted that we can continue to make shogi history together.

◆Tomoyuki Teraguchi, Vice Chairman of Nomura Holdings, Inc.

　We are truly grateful to be involved in the Ryuo Tournament, the highest stage in the world of shogi, at this historic milestone marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Shogi Association. This season, Nomura Holdings, together with fans, is supporting the Ryuo Tournament by implementing two projects: an interview video in which the two players answer questions from fans, and an event to collect messages of support and impressions before and after the match. We hope to work with you all to further promote the Ryuo Tournament. In the interview video, Ryuo Fujii spoke of a memorable open match he played against 8th-dan Sasaki at a Shogi Festival before he became a professional shogi player. The match between the two players began before Ryuo Fujii's debut, and now the battle for the Ryuo title, the pinnacle of the shogi world, is finally about to begin. We are excited to see what great games will unfold.

◆[Challenger] Yuki Sasaki, 8th Dan

It feels like time has flown by since the challenge was decided. I have been trying to spend my time trying to become a little stronger myself. The Ryuo tournament starts at 9am, with a lunch break at 12:30pm, which is different from a normal match. I made sure to be at the board at 9am, and my daily life was in Ryuo tournament mode as well. Ryuo Fujii has a strength that cannot be understood just by looking at the game record, a strength that can only be understood by playing against him at the board. I would like to fight a good match until the end as much as possible.

I have just inspected the Noh Theatre, and sitting in front of a magnificent shogi board on the sacred stage of the Noh Theatre, I feel a sense of determination. I am extremely happy to be able to play a two-day, eight-hour match against Ryuo Fujii. I will do my best from tomorrow onwards.

◆[Holder] Sota Fujii, Ryuo

I think Sasaki 9-dan's greatest characteristic is his sharp attack. However, watching the final tournament of this season's Ryuo tournament, I get the impression that he is playing very fulfilling shogi, with not only sharp attack but also solid defense and tenacity. I personally haven't done anything special to prepare for the Ryuo tournament, but there was a period in September this year when I had a series of games, so I spent that time preparing for the Ryuo tournament while being conscious of not letting my physical condition deteriorate.

Coming to Cerulean Tower, I finally realize that the Ryuo Championship is about to begin. This will be my first time playing a two-day, eight-hour match against 8-dan Sasaki, so I'm feeling both nervous and excited. I'll do my best to think deeply about each move and play a fulfilling and interesting game where our readings clash.

Student Newspaper Online December 4, 2024 Interview by Toyo University sophomore Rinno Koshiyama