The Kansai Ki-in has officially launched a new international Dan/Kyu certification program,
creating a pathway for overseas players to earn official Japanese rank certification through a comprehensive evaluation process.
Unlike many rating-based systems, the new program combines written examinations with assessment games against professional players. According to the Kansai Ki-in, the goal is to provide a more rigorous and reliable certification process that can earn the trust of Go players around the world.
The written examination is entirely descriptive rather than multiple-choice. Candidates may be asked to write out complete move sequences for life-and-death problems, evaluate positions, and demonstrate their understanding of opening strategy, middle-game fighting, endgame technique, tesuji, and reading ability.
The program was proposed and promoted by longtime Go educator and organizer Daisuke "Dice" Murase, who recently announced that he had received permission from the Kansai Ki-in to publicly discuss his role in developing the project.
Murase said the idea grew in part from his own experience receiving an official 6-dan certificate from the Kansai Ki-in through Toshimichi Sekiyama Sensei.
"Rank certification is not just a title," Murase said. "It can change the way you approach Go itself, including your attitude, seriousness, and sense of responsibility toward the game."
He hopes the program will help overseas players experience a deeper connection to Japanese Go culture while promoting serious study and international exchange.
The certification program is now accepting applications. Details, eligibility requirements, and examination information are available on the Kansai Ki-in's official certification page.
For more information, visit the Kansai Ki-in's Special Dan/Kyu Certification Program page.