50 Years aGO

May 4th saw the fourth game of the Gosei title, as Ōtake evened the score in his title defense at 2-2.

Katō wins the Gosei title.

However, in the final game, pictured above, Katō secured his first title, on May 18th, with Takemiya looking on beside him, and you can see the ever present Abe Yoshiteru dead center in the photo. Katō had played in eight finals before this, his first victory. Ōtake, the artist, a man of few compliments, said of his junior Kitani disciple "Kato has gotten strong."

On May 9th, the Asahi Go Festival took place in Ōsaka, 3,000 go players took part.

Asahi Go Festival.

Katō remained in the headlines, continuing his challenge for Rin Kaihō's Jūdan title. Rin won the third game on May 14th to take a 2-1 lead.

Katō wins Jūdan Game Four.

However, Katō evened the series with a win on May 25th.

The Third Maryland Open took place on May 30th and for the third time, the victor was Shin Kang. The 50th is coming up on May 23-24.

Photos from the Kidō Yearbook.