Nishiyama Tomoka, crowned with three women's titles, faced off against Kanta Masaki at the Kansai Shogi Hall on January 22, 2025, for the decisive fifth match of the Professional Player Entry Examination. This was not just any match; it held the potential to reshape the history of shogi by paving the way for Nishiyama to become the first female professional player since the inception of the Japan Shogi Association over 100 years ago.
The stakes couldn't have been higher: Nishiyama needed to secure this victory to achieve the prestigious rank of 4-dan, qualifying her as a professional player. She entered the match carrying both the weight of high expectations and the promise of making history, as there has yet to be even one female player among the approximately 350 male professional shogi players.
Having begun her shogi career within the Japan Shogi Association’s training league, Nishiyama climbed to the rank of 3-dan before shifting her focus to becoming a women’s shogi professional. During the match, she employed her signature ‘furi-bisha’ strategy, which involves moving the rook to the left side of the board—a technique she has mastered over the years. Both she and Kanta had previously battled many times on different occasions, with Kanta previously securing wins against her, making this match pivotal for both competitors.
After winning the opening bout of the examination, Nishiyama faced unexpected challenges, losing two consecutive matches, putting her status at risk before this final game. Remarkably, she had previously succeeded against high-profile opponents, showcasing her talent and dedication to the art of shogi.
Kanta, realizing the significance of his role on the board, commented, "This was the first time we've faced each other, and I prepared thoroughly to win." Such confidence from Kanta arose from knowing the stakes; his performance would not only determine his future on the board but also whether or not he would play the titular role of the first male shogi professional to defeat Nishiyama in this historic match.
Nishiyama expressed her sentiments leading up to the match, stating, "After winning the opening game, I couldn't maintain my momentum and lost the close rounds." Her introspective reflections on her past games appeared to set the stage for this decisive showdown. Determined not only to focus on her distinguished title as three-time women’s champion but also on her ambition to break through the final barrier standing between her and professional status, she was ready to bring her absolute best to the match.
The emotional weight of such moments cannot be overstated. Should Nishiyama claim victory, she would not simply gain her title but would also break through historical barriers, ushering directly toward progress and future directions for women’s participation within the traditionally male-dominated sphere of shogi.
The match itself saw both players showcasing their capabilities and unique strategies, maintaining intrigue and excitement for fans and competitors alike. Commentary from shogi veterans reflected the palpable tension as they analyzed moves, anticipating outcomes as the match unfolded.
The crowd held its breath, knowing this wasn't just about personal victory; it was about the transformation of shogi as a whole. The global perspective of the match was not lost; media outlets included live coverage through platforms like ABEMA and the Japan Shogi Federation's live streaming, allowing viewers to engage with this pivotal historical moment from afar.
Though Nishiyama faced defeat initially during the match, her fighting spirit and skill impressed many. Her tenacity demonstrated how far female players have come and the potential they have within the professional sphere. This moment, regardless of the final score, would surely serve to inspire the coming generations of female shogi players.
With the conclusion of the match looming, spectators remained on edge. Nishiyama’s possibility of becoming the first female professional shogi player was tantalizingly close but hinged entirely on one final match—a microcosm of hope reflecting broader societal changes. Whether she emerged victorious or not, her presence within the competition itself shifted narratives and opened dialogues about the future of gender roles within competitive shogi.
The legacy of Nishiyama Tomoka—win or lose—could potentially launch new aspirations for young female players aspiring to enter the competitive arena of shogi, encouraging them to challenge both historical precedent and societal barriers.