NOTE: This is #2 in a series of reports covering the second half of 2025. The order is
based on the date of the final deciding game in the tournament.
Ichiriki defends 50th Meijin title
Shibano Toramaru, challenger for the 50th Meijin title, has long had a special relationship with this crown. He first won it at 19 (a youth record) in the 44th term in 2019. After losing it to Iyama Yuta the following year, he regained the title in the 47th term and defended it once, before losing the 49th title match 2–4 to Ichiriki Ryo (at right in photo)
This latest challenge gave Shibano a chance for revenge, but Ichiriki’s recent form—including his Ing Cup victory last year—suggested he was at the peak of his career. At the time of the match, he held four of the top seven titles.
Game 1 (Aug. 26–27; Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima, Kagoshima City).
Ichiriki (B) by resig. Shibano handled the opening well and took the lead, but a middle-game mistake proved decisive. Ichiriki later described it as a tough game.
Game 2 (Sept. 3–4; Fujii Villa, Takayama Village, Nagano Prefecture).
Ichiriki (W) by 1.5 points. Ichiriki led from the opening, but Shibano had chances to equalize in the middle game. The lead changed hands repeatedly before Ichiriki’s ko tipped the balance.
Game 3 (Sept. 11–12; Todaya, Toba City, Mie Prefecture).
Shibano (W) by resig. Shibano’s bold invasion paid off. A key move at 96 turned a losing capturing race into a winning one. Ichiriki later admitted he had overlooked this move.
Game 4 (Sept. 22–23; Hotel Kagetsuen, Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture).
Ichiriki (W) by resig. Ichiriki used a move tested in practice with Ueno Asami, Women’s Meijin. He took control in the early middle game and maintained pressure to secure a convincing win.
Game 5 (Oct. 7–8; Tokiwa Hotel, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture).
Shibano (W) by resig. Facing kadoban, Shibano fought back. He chose a safer endgame line leading to a half-point win rather than a more complex 1.5-point margin. Ichiriki attempted to complicate matters but fell behind.
Game 6 (Oct. 14–15; Kakujoro, Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture).
Ichiriki won to take the match. The game reflected their contrasting styles: Ichiriki emphasizing territory while accepting weak groups, Shibano pressing with strong attacks. Ichiriki’s skillful shinogi proved decisive, described by observers as “worthy of a Meijin.”
Result: Ichiriki wins the match 4–2, successfully defending the 50th Meijin title. Ichiriki commented: “I am happy I was able to win the landmark 50th tournament.”
First prize is ¥30,000,000 ($194,805). Time allowance is eight hours per player, followed by 10-minute byo-yomi.
Suzuki wins 8th SGW Cup Golden Mean Tournament
The SGW Cup Golden Mean Tournament is open to players aged 30 to 60 who have not won a top-seven title, the Ryusei, the Agon Kiriyama Cup, or this event. Sixteen players compete in a four-round Swiss, with the two undefeated players meeting in a final-round decider.
This year, Suzuki Shinji 9-dan (W) defeated Numadate Sakiya 7-dan by 5.5 points to take the title. First prize is ¥2,000,000.
Next instalment: Ding Hao wins the inaugural Yangming Cup; Shibano becomes Kisei challenger; Fujisawa defends Women’s Honinbo; and Nakamura Sumire claims her first Korean title.