On September 10, at the Shogi Kaikan in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, Nishiyama Tomoka, a renowned triple crown holder, commenced her bid to become the first female professional shogi player ranked fourth dan or higher. The match, part of the rigorous professional entrance exam, saw Nishiyama defeat Takahashi Yujiro, who served as the examiner. The entrance exam is structured as a best-of-five series, with candidates required to secure three victories to pass. Nishiyama’s next challenge is scheduled for October 2, where she will face Yamakawa Yasuhiro, a fourth dan, in the second game of the series.
The professional shogi player transfer exam, which has seen only three successful candidates under the current system, has been a challenging endeavor. In 2022, Kana Fukuma, the first woman to attempt the exam, failed to advance after enduring three consecutive losses. Nishiyama, hailing from Sayama City in Osaka Prefecture, has distinguished herself through her achievements, having secured a total of 16 women’s titles. Her journey includes significant experience at the Shogi Association, where she advanced to the third dan rank before stepping into the role of a female professional shogi player in April 2021, just as she approached the age limit of 26.
With her extensive track record and formidable skills, Nishiyama aims to further her legacy in the world of shogi. Her efforts, alongside Kana Fukuma’s, have significantly shaped the current era of women’s shogi. The outcome of the ongoing entrance exam will determine whether Nishiyama will join the ranks of professional shogi players, a milestone that would mark a historic achievement in the sport.