By KOJI ODE/ Staff Writer
February 20, 2024 at 18:14 JST
Teen go prodigy Sumire Nakamura rounded off her nearly five-year career in Japan in style, only days before making her foray into South Korea, a powerhouse in the board game.
“I have spent almost all my life on go,” Nakamura, 14, said at a news conference on Feb. 19 after winning her final game in Japan. “By walking down this path in life, I have been able to experience what I never would have elsewhere. I am glad.”
She will join the Korea Baduk Association, South Korea’s go association that is also known as Hanguk Kiwon, on March 2, her 15th birthday.
The Nihon Ki-in, Japan’s go association, certified Nakamura as a professional in April 2019 under a special system, recognizing her as an exceptional talent who could compete on the world stage.
At 10 years of age, the elementary school student was the youngest ever to enter the professional ranks in Japan at the time.
She became the youngest title holder in February last year by capturing the Women’s Kisei title.
The Feb. 19 game against Eiko Nyu, 24, was her last as a member of the Nihon Ki-in.
In Japan, Nakamura chalked up 164 wins and 88 losses, which translates into a winning percentage of 65 percent.
“I am joining a more competitive world in South Korea,” she told the news conference at the Nihon Ki-in. “I want to work harder and become a strong and respected go player.”
At one point, Nakamura was asked if she believes that she has room in her game to grow.
“If not, that would be pretty bad,” she replied, laughing.
Nakamura said her immediate goal is to rank among the top 10 players in South Korea this year.
She also said she aims to win a South Korean women’s title in the near future and hopes to eventually compete in the Chinese A League, the world’s top go championship.
Nakamura, who ceded her Women’s Kisei title to Risa Ueno, 17, earlier this month, singled her out as a Japanese opponent she wants to most play against.
“I will push myself hard so that I can defeat her at any cost the next time around,” she said.
Nakamura won't go hungry in South Korea, since she is an avid fan of Korean cuisine.
Asked what she wants to do for her birthday next week, she said she will eat Korean barbecue and kimchi Korean fermented vegetables.
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Sumire Nakamura after winning her final game in Japan on Feb. 19 (Arata Kitano)
