Nishiyama Tomoka, the reigning three-time women's shogi champion, faced off against Masaki Kanta on January 22, hoping to make history as the first female professional shogi player. The decisive match, part of the rigorous shogi professional qualification exam, took place at the Kansai Shogi Hall located in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture. Unfortunately for Nishiyama, her aspiration was thwarted as she lost the match after 135 moves, resulting in her overall record of 2 wins and 3 losses, marking her elimination from the qualifying process.
Turning the spotlight on women’s place within the shogi community, Nishiyama's challenge was historic. The stakes were incredibly high as she sought to break through barriers, becoming the first female shogi player among the typically male-dominated ranks. Throughout her career, Nishiyama had amassed numerous titles and accolades, winning 18 women's titles, but achieving professional status was her ultimate goal.
During the match's opening, Nishiyama employed her preferred strategy of the "Mikazuki Bisha," which she had successfully used before. Although the early phases saw her struggle, she quickly pivoted to become more aggressive, displaying her characteristic fiery approach to the game. The mid-game escalated to intense exchanges, with both players deeply engaged at the board as the tension palpable among onlookers, demonstrating the stakes at hand.
Yet, as the game progressed, challenges loomed. Masaki Kanta showcased his formidable skills, compelling Nishiyama to navigate through increasingly challenging positions, making effective use of his pieces and holding the lead. Nishiyama fought valiantly, connecting one ambitious tactic after another, but finding herself unable to turn the tide. Her resignation at the end was quiet but poignant, echoing the significant weight of her endeavor.
Post-match, Nishiyama expressed heartfelt gratitude to the examiners involved, stating, "I am very grateful to all five examiners for facing me." Reflecting on the game's events, she noted, "I wanted to create some kind of opportunity by continuing to hold on during the match, but I couldn’t find any good moves.” This sentiment captured the bittersweet nature of her experience – filled with determination yet tinged with disappointment.
Considering her future, Nishiyama also mentioned the possibility of retaking the exam. Under the Japan Shogi Association's regulations, if she meets the qualifying criteria, she may attempt the exam again. "If I meet the official match conditions, I can take the exam again," she explained, emphasizing her perspective on continuing her career path.
With her first attempt having concluded, the question remains: What lies ahead for Nishiyama Tomoka? Her notable performance has certainly set the stage for potential future challenges, as she continues to compete actively for women's titles alongside her aspiration for professional status.
Nishiyama’s candid acknowledgment of her current position and future ambitions may inspire many young players, reflecting her resiliency and fortitude. Women’s representation within professional shogi is still significantly sparse even decades after its inception, and Nishiyama’s determination could spark interest and encourage other female aspiring shogi players to pursue their dreams.
While the road to becoming Japan’s first female professional shogi player remains open, it’s clear Nishiyama’s fight is far from over. Her presence on the board and her commitment to improving her skills suggest she will be back, ready to face new challenges head-on.