Photo/Illutration Kana Satomi, a five-title holder, plays against Mikio Kariyama, 4-dan player, on Oct. 13 in the third match of the “kishi” transfer examination in Osaka. (Pool)

Female shogi ace Kana Satomi failed in her historic challenge to compete among the top professional male shogi players but came away vowing to improve.

Satomi, 30, lost in her game against Mikio Kariyama, 20, a 4-dan player, at Kansai Shogi Hall in Osaka on Oct. 13.

She needed a win to keep her hopes alive of joining the ranks of the top professional shogi players known as “kishi,” having lost the first two games in the five-game transfer examination.

Satomi countered Kariyama’s moves with her favorite strategy, using the central rook. But she lost in 103 moves.

“I think this is what I can do now. I will study more to do better,” she said.

Satomi needed three wins in the five matches to pass the examination and win promotion to kishi.

But she lost the first game in August and the second contest in September, putting her behind the eight ball. 

Satomi hails from Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. She is known as “Izumo no Inazuma” (Izumo lightning) for her sharp, aggressive playing style.

Satomi holds five of the eight female titles and has the status of “joryu-kishi” (female kishi).

These female shogi players are allowed to compete only among themselves, in principle, except for some matches.

Regardless of gender, those who graduate from Shoreikai, the professional training school operated by the Japan Shogi Association, are eligible to become a kishi player.

However, the ranks of kishi have been dominated by men.

Satomi attended the school and aimed for joining the top ranks, but she had to leave the school before graduating due to the 26-year age limit.

Another way to become a kishi player is to take the transfer examination.

Satomi participated in matches where female players are allowed to compete with kishi. She recorded 10 wins and four losses, which qualified her for the transfer examination.

She undertook the examination while competing in several title matches for female players.

“I can’t say I’m really strong as long as I can’t show my usual ability under any circumstances,” Satomi said at a news conference after the game on Oct. 13.

She recalled her experiences starting from the examination in August, saying “I was able to have valuable experiences from playing on such a big stage.”

“I think these losses will help me grow. I want to develop from my experiences,” she said.

If she passes the qualifications again, she can retake the examination. But she said, “I’m not planning for now (to retake the examination).”

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