A farewell ceremony for shogi master Hifumi Kato was held Saturday at the Shogi Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo [1], [2].
Kato was a foundational figure in professional shogi whose career spanned seven decades. His influence on the game is marked by a legacy of precocity and longevity that bridged the gap between the mid-century era and the modern age of the sport.
To honor his contributions to the shogi world, the Japan Shogi Association posthumously awarded Kato the title of Honorary 10-Dan on June 6 [1], [2]. The ceremony brought together a wide array of shogi officials and players, including Sota Fujii, who currently holds six crowns [1], [6].
Kato died on Jan. 22 from pneumonia at the age of 86 [1], [3]. His professional journey began in 1954 when he debuted at the age of 14 [1]. This achievement set a historic benchmark for the sport, a record for the youngest professional debut that stood for 62 years until it was eventually broken by Sota Fujii [1].
The event at the Shogi Hall served as a final gathering for colleagues and admirers to pay their respects to the man often referred to by the nickname "Hifumin" [1]. The posthumous award of the 10-Dan rank reflects the highest level of recognition the association can bestow upon a player's career achievements and service to the game [1], [2].
“The Japan Shogi Association posthumously awarded Kato the title of Honorary 10-Dan.”
The posthumous awarding of the Honorary 10-Dan title signifies Kato's status as a pillar of the shogi community. By linking Kato's 1954 debut record to Sota Fujii's modern achievements, the ceremony highlighted the continuity of excellence in Japanese shogi and the transition of the game's guardianship to a new generation.
