Children play Shogi next to cherry trees at school event in Seto, Aichi Prefecture

SETO, Aichi – Supported by a children’s shogi school where eight-title holder Sota Fujii learned the Japanese board game, an event involving children playing shogi next to cherry trees on the banks of the Seto River in Seto, Aichi Prefecture was recently held.

The annual spring event is held by Fumimoto Kodomo Shogi Kyoshitsu, where about 30 children from kindergarten to high school practice shogi. 21-year-old Fujii, who holds all eight major shogi titles, also competed in the event as a child.

“This occasion is a milestone, as some children are leaving our school while also graduating,” said Rikio Fumimoto, 69, who heads the shogi school.

“Shogi is fun. It’s thrilling and exciting when you think about how your opponent will play,” said a fourth-grade elementary school student as he stared earnestly at the shogi board.

At the March 30 event, Fumimoto and others also played music. Magic tricks were also performed for the children and their parents.