Sumire Nakamura speaks about her transfer to South Korea at a news conference at the Nihon Ki-in in Tokyo on Oct. 30.

Photo/Illutration Go player Sumire Nakamura speaks about her transfer to South Korea at a news conference at the Nihon Ki-in in Tokyo on Oct. 30. (Ikuro Aiba)

Go prodigy Sumire Nakamura is looking forward to spicing up her skills against powerful rivals in South Korea as well as enjoying fiery kimchi stew “every day” as she takes her talented game overseas.

“I will make further efforts in a more severe environment than ever before,” the 14-year-old told a news conference at the Nihon Ki-in in Tokyo on Oct. 30. “I thought it was necessary for me now to study in a higher-level environment.”

Nakamura, Japan's youngest go title holder in history, has been officially approved to transfer to South Korea, a go powerhouse, in March. She will be the first Japanese go player to move to a foreign country.

The Korea Baduk Association, South Korea’s go association also known as Hanguk Kiwon, is said to have a higher standard than its Japanese counterpart, the Nihon Ki-in.

Nakamura is no stranger to South Korea or the formidable challenge that awaits her.

She became a research student, or a professional candidate, at the Korea Baduk Association in 2018 when she was 7.

“I became able to understand the Korean language a little and studied there for a long time,” she said. “If I did not have that experience, I might not have considered the transfer.”

Asked what she is looking forward to in her daily life in South Korea, Nakamura said, “Eating 'kimchi-jjigae' (kimchi stew) every day. I like it too much. I also like Korean barbecue and ‘dak-galbi’ (spicy stir-fried chicken).”

She said she decided on her transfer on her own in June, although she had consulted with her parents.

“I want to be a strong and respected go player, and I want to be a go player who can participate in the Korean Baduk League (where only top-ranked players are allowed to participate).”

She said she hopes to play against Park Junghwan, 30, one of the world’s top-ranked male players.

In February, Nakamura defeated Asami Ueno, 22, at the Women’s Kisei tournament to win her first title at the age of 13 years and 11 months, the youngest in history.

She will face a challenger as defending champion at the next Women’s Kisei tournament that opens in January. Regardless of the result, she will move to South Korea.

Nakamura started playing go when she was 3.

The Nihon Ki-in certified her as a professional go player in 2019 under a special system, recognizing her as an exceptional talent who could compete on the world stage.

At the time, Nakamura was less than a month past turning 10 and was the youngest player ever to enter the Japanese professional ranks.

She described her performance over the four and a half years as a professional as an “over-achievement” and gave herself a modest score of about 70 points, a passing grade.

“Looking back, it was a very short time, but the four and a half years were rich in content as I experienced many things,” Nakamura said. “I am grateful to the teachers who helped me, and the time I spent with my fellow professionals around my age is an irreplaceable treasure.”

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