Sōta Fujii
Fujii in 2018
Native name藤井聡太
Born (2002-07-19) July 19, 2002
HometownSeto, Aichi
Career
Achieved professional statusOctober 1, 2016(2016-10-01) (aged 14)
Badge Number307
Rank9-dan
TeacherMasataka Sugimoto (8-dan)
Current titles held
Major titles won18
Tournaments won10
Meijin classMeijin
Ryūō classRyūō
Websites
JSA profile page

Sōta Fujii (藤井 聡太, Fujii Sōta, born July 19, 2002 in Seto, Aichi) is a Japanese professional shogi player ranked 9-dan. He is the current holder of the Eiō, Kiō, Kisei, Meijin, Ōi, Ōshō, Ōza and Ryūō titles. He is the youngest person[lower-alpha 1] to be awarded professional status by the Japan Shogi Association and one of only five players to become professional while still a junior high school student.

Since becoming a professional, Fujii has broken a number of professional shogi records including being the youngest player to win a professional shogi tournament, the youngest player to challenge for a major title, the youngest player to win a major title, the youngest player to be a 2-crown title holder, the youngest player to defend a major title, the youngest player to be awarded the rank of 9-dan, the youngest to be a 3-crown title holder, the youngest to be a 4-crown title holder, the youngest to be a 5-crown title holder, the youngest to be a 6-crown title holder, the youngest to be a 7-crown title holder, the youngest to win the Meijin title, the youngest to win the Ōza title and becoming the first 8-crown title holder in professional shogi history. He also won his first 29 games as a professional to set a new record for most consecutive games won, and is also the first player to win all current non-title tournaments open to all professional shogi players in a single shogi year.

Early life and amateur shogi

Fujii was born in Seto, Aichi on July 19, 2002.[1] His mother was a homemaker and his father was a company employee. He learned shogi at age five after being given a shogi set by his grandmother and started out playing games with his grandfather. Eventually he became too strong for his grandfather, so he started taking formal lessons at a neighborhood shogi school. As an elementary school student first-grade student, he began playing games against junior high school and senior high school students to test his skill.[2]

Fujii's intense focus surprised his mother and his competitive spirit often led to crying outbursts when he lost. As a second-grade student, he got the opportunity to play a game against shogi professional Kōji Tanigawa as part of a simultaneous exhibition at a shogi event in Nagoya. Due to time limitations, Tanigawa offered Fujii a draw even though Fujii had a losing position. Upset by the offer, Fujii flipped the board and pieces, and then began crying until his mother came to take him away from the board.[2][3]

Fujii was seven years old when met his future professional shogi mentor Masataka Sugimoto for the first time. Sugimoto was amazed by the "marvelous perspective" and "insight" Fujii showed at such a young age and says that he is "the personification of fighting spirit" who "takes the frustration of defeat and directs it at the next match".[2][4]

Shogi apprentice professional

Fujii officially entered the shogi professional apprentice school as a 10-year-old under the sponsorship of Sugimoto with the rank of 6-kyū in September 2012.[4] He became the youngest person ever to be promoted to 3-dan in October 2015 at the age of 13 years 2 months.[5] Fujii competed in the "59th 3-dan league" with other 3-dan ranked apprentices from April to September 2017 and finished in first place with a 13–5 record to win promotion to the rank of professional 4-dan.[6][7] He was only the eighth 3-dan player since 1987 to be promoted to professional status after only one season in the "3-dan league".[8] Fujii's promotion to full professional status by the JSA became official on October 1, 2017.[9]

Shogi professional

2016–2017: Record breaking debut and early success

Fujii's debut game as a professional was on December 24, 2016, and he defeated 76-year-old Hifumi Katō. Katō was at the time the oldest active shogi professional, and the age gap of 62 years and 6 months between the two players broke the previous record of 58 years and 7 months set in 1986 when 15-year-old Yoshiharu Habu played 74-year-old Seiichi Kobori.[10][11]

On April 4, 2017, Fujii defeated Hiroshi Kobayashi to win his 11th straight game since turning professional and break the previous record of 10 jointly held by Yoshiyuki Matsumoto and Masakazu Kondō.[12][13]

Fujii won his 13th game in a row when he defeated Shōta Chida in the round one of the 67th NHK TV Shogi Tournament on April 17, 2017. The game result was posted the same day on the Japan Shogi Association's official website,[14] even though the game was not broadcast on NHK-E until May 14, 2017. This is something which was highly unusual because NHK tournament games are pre-recorded, and game results are not made public until the game is actually broadcast.[15]

Fujii became the fastest professional to reach 50 wins in official games on November 21, 2017, when he defeated Shingo Hirafuji. Fujii achieved his 50th win in his 56th official game in just ten months and twenty-nine days since his professional debut, surpassing the previous record held by Habu, who won his 50th game in his 66th game and took one year and two months.[16][17]

29-game winning streak

After defeating Katō to win his debut game, Fujii proceeded to win his next 28 official games before losing to Yūki Sasaki on July 2, 2017.[18][19][20][21] His 29 consecutive wins broke the previous record of 28 set by Hiroshi Kamiya in 1987.[22][23][24][25]

Opponents
GameDateOpponentNote
1December 24, 2016Hifumi Katō 9d30th Ryūō tournament (group 6). Fujii defeats 76-year-old Katō in his debut game as a professional.[18]
2January 26, 2017Takahiro Toyokawa 7dKiō tournament (preliminary round)[18]
3February 9, 2017Masahiko Urano 8d30th Ryūō tournament (group 6)[18]
4February 23, 2017Masahiko Urano 8d67th NHK TV Shogi Tournament (preliminary round)[26]
5February 23, 2017Kensuke Kitahama 8d67th NHK TV Shogi Tournament (preliminary round)[26]
6February 23, 2017Yūgo Takeuchi 4d67th NHK TV Shogi Tournament (preliminary round)[26]
7March 1, 2017Kōzō Arimori 7dŌshō tournament (preliminary round)[18]
8March 10, 2017Takahiro Ōhashi 4dShinjin-Ō[18]
9March 16, 2017Kazuharu Shoshi 7d30th Ryūō tournament (group 6)[18]
10March 23, 2017Takahiro Ōhashi 4dKiō tournament (preliminary round)[18]
11April 4, 2017Hiroshi Kobayashi 7dŌshō tournament (preliminary round). Wins 11th straight game to set a new record for most consecutive wins since turning professional.[18]
12April 13, 2017Yoshitaka Hoshino 4d30th Ryūō tournament (group 6)[18]
13April 17, 2017Shota Chida 6d67th NHK TV Shogi Tournament (round 1)[18]
14April 26, 2017Shingo Hirafuji 7dKiō tournament (preliminary round)[18]
15May 1, 2017Kōta Kanai 6d30th Ryūō tournament (group 6)[18]
16May 4, 2017Daiki Yokoyama (amateur)Shinjin-Ō tournament[18]
17May 12, 2017Kazuhiro Nishikawa 6dŌshō tournament (preliminary round)[18]
18May 18, 2017Yugo Takeuchi 4dKakogawa Seiryū[18]
19May 25, 2017Seiya Kondō 5d30th Ryūō tournament (group 6: championship game)[18]
20June 2, 2017Shingo Sawada 6dKiō tournament (preliminary round: championship game)[18]
21June 7, 2017Ryuuma Tonari 4dJōshū Yamada Cup[18]
22June 7, 2017Satoru Sakaguchi 5dJōshū Yamada Cup[18]
23June 7, 2017Hiroshi Miyamoto 5dJōshū Yamada Cup. Wins 23rd consecutive game to move into third-place for most consecutive victories in a row.[27]
24June 10, 2017Hirotaka Kajiura 4dEiō tournament (preliminary round)[18]
25June 10, 2017Ryuuma Tonari 4dEiō tournament (preliminary round). Defeats Tonari for the second time in three days to move into sole second place for most consecutive wins in a row.[28]
26June 15, 2017Shōji Segawa 5dMeijin tournament (class C2)[18]
27June 17, 2017Hayata Fujioka (amateur)Asahi Cup Open[18]
28June 21, 2017Shingo Sawada 6dŌshō tournament (preliminary round). Defeats Sawada to tie Kamiya's record.[18]
29June 26, 2017Yasuhiro Masuda 4dDefeats Masuda to set new record.[18]
Impact

Fujii's winning streak was widely covered by Japanese and overseas media outlets. His promotion to professional status and his subsequent success was viewed as helping the Japan Shogi Association recover from the scandal of the 29th Ryūō challenger controversy; a scandal which had ultimately led to the resignation of the JSA's president in January 2017, the removal of several directors in February 2017, and a general loss of public confidence.[29][30]

Fujii's streak not only helped the JSA recover from the aforementioned scandal, but also provided an economic boost as well. The streak led to increased sales of shogi books, and other merchandise, etc. as well as a general increase in shogi's popularity nationwide, particularly among young children. Local merchants in Fujii's hometown of Seto held commemorative sales to honor him for the streak and for his 15th birthday,[31] and it was estimated almost 7.4 million people watched the live webcast of Fujii's record-setting victory.[30] Sensu (folding hand fans) signed by Fujii were sold by the JSA in both Tokyo and Osaka in an unusual move since such a thing is typically only reserved for major title holders;[32] the fans, however, quickly sold out at both locations in less than an hour despite there being a limit set at one fan per person, with people lining up in advance to receive a numbered ticket to purchase a fan.[33] Some of the fans sold subsequently showed up on online auction websites where bids up to JPY 15,600 were observed despite the original sale price of about JPY 2,300.[34]

In December 2017, the JSA estimated that the over all impact of Fujii's streak on its advertizing revenue had been roughly 18.5 billion yen.[35] Fujii's first official game against a reigning major title holder came on January 14, 2018, when he defeated Meijin Amahiko Satō in the quarterfinals of the 11th Asahi Cup Open.[36]

2018–2019: Meijin ranking league success and multiple tournament victories

On February 1, 2018, Fujii defeated Hirotaka Kajiura in a Meijin Class C2 game to improve his league record to 9 wins and 0 losses and ensure his promotion to Meijin Class C1 in April 2018. Fujii's promotion to Class C1 also meant his promotion to the rank of 5-dan, thus making him the first junior high school student to ever be awarded the rank.[37]

Fujii became the youngest player to win a professional shogi tournament on February 17, 2018, when he defeated Akihito Hirose in the final of the 11th Asahi Cup Open. Fujii advanced to the final by defeating the reigning Ryūō and Kisei title holder Yoshiharu Habu in the semi-finals held earlier that same day. Fujii's victory at age 15 years and 6 months broke the previous record of 15 years and 10 months set by Hifumi Katō in 1955. Fujii's victory also meant automatic promotion to the rank of 6-dan, thus making him the youngest player to ever be awarded such a rank by breaking the previous record (also held by Katō) of 16 years and 3 months.[38][39][40]

On March 15, 2018, Fujii defeated Tatsuya Sanmaidō to finish Class 2 play undefeated at 10 wins and 0 losses. Fujii became the first player in six years to finish Class 2 play undefeated. The victory was Fujii's 15th in a row, which made him the holder of the two longest consecutive winning streaks for the 2017 shogi season.[41] Fujii's victory was also his 60th victory overall in a single year which made him not only the 4th player ever to reach 60 wins, but also the youngest player ever to do so.[42][lower-alpha 2]

On March 28, 2018, Fujii played his final game as a junior high school student and of the 2017 shogi season when he faced Keita Inoue in a third round preliminary round game for the 68th Ōshō Tournament. The game was broadcast live by the Igo & Shogi Channel as part of its "Shogi Premium" service.[43] Inoue won the game in 137 moves, thus becoming the first player aged 50 or older to defeat Fujii in an official game. Inoue's victory also stopped Fujii's 16 game winning streak.[44] Fujii's winning streak began after a loss to on Takahiro Ōhashi on January 6, 2018, and included wins over the reigning Meijin title holder Satō, the reigning Ryūō title holder Habu, former Ōshō title holder Hirose, former Ryūō title holder Tetsurō Itodani as well as his first official game against his mentor Sugimoto.[45][46][47]

Fujii became the youngest player to be promoted to 7-dan when he defeated Kōhei Funae on May 18, 2018. Fujii's win in the championship game for Ryūō Class 5 meant that he achieved Ryōū ranking class promotion for two consecutive years, thus satisfying the promotion criteria for 7-dan. Fujii's record of reaching 7-dan at age 15 years 9 months broke the previous record of 17 years 3 months set by Hifumi Katō in 1957.[48][49]

In October 2018, Fujii won his second shogi championship when he defeated apprentice professional Wakamu Deguchi 3-dan 2 games to 0 to win the 49th Shinjin-Ō tournament. Fujii's victory made him the youngest player ever to win the tournament at 16 years and 2 months, breaking the 31-year-old record of 17 years and 0 months set by Toshiyuki Moriuchi in 1987.[50]

Fujii at age 16 became the youngest player to win 100 official games as a professional on December 12, 2018. Fujii's victory also made him the fastest (two years and two months since turning professional) to achieve such a result, and his winning percentage of .847 (100 wins and 18 losses) is also the highest of any player to have previously won 100 games.[51]

On January 8, 2019, Fujii defeated Eisaku Tomioka in Mejin Class C1 league play. The win was Fujii's 18 consecutive win in Meijin League play since debuting as a shogi professional which tied the record set by Makoto Nakahara 52 years earlier.[52] Fujii, however, was defeated by Seiya Kondō in his next league game on February 5, 2019, to end the winning streak.[53]

In February 2019, Fujii successfully defended his Asahi Cup championship when he defeated Kiō title holder Akira Watanabe to win the 12th Asahi Cup Open tournament.[54]

2020–2022: Multiple major title victories

In March 2020, Fujii became the first shogi professional to achieve a .800 winning percentage or greater for three consecutive years when he defeated Akira Inaba in challenger league play for the 61st Ōi tournament.[55][lower-alpha 3]

Fujii defeated Takuya Nagase on June 4, 2020, to earn the right to challenge Watanabe for the 91st Kisei title. Fujii's victory not only allowed him to become the challenger for a major title for the first time, it also made him the youngest person ever (at the age 17 years, 10 months and 20 days) to challenge for a major title, breaking the record set 31 years earlier by Nobuyuki Yashiki by four days.[56] In title match against Watanabe, Fujii won the first two games before losing Game 3. He then won Game 4 to win the match 3 games to 1 and become—at the age of 17 years and 11 months—the youngest major title holder in professional shogi history.[57][58]

On August 20, 2020, Fujii won the Ōi title from Kazuki Kimura. Fujii defeated Kimura 4 games to 0 to win the 61st Ōi title. Fujii's victory made him the youngest person to become a 2-crown title holder and also the youngest person to be promoted to the rank of 8-dan.[59][60][61][lower-alpha 4]

In October 2020. Fujii defeated Tetsurō Itodani to win the 28th Ginga-sen. His victory at the age of 18 years and 2 months made him the youngest to ever win the tournament, breaking the record of 21 years and 4 months set in 2005 by Watanabe. The game was played on October 15, 2020, but the result was not made public until the game was broadcast on December 12, 2020.[62]

In February 2021, Fujii won the Asahi Cup Open tournament for the third time by defeating Hiroyuki Miura in the finals of the 14th Asahi Cup Open.[63]

On July 3, 2021, Fujii successfully defended the Kisei title in the 92nd Kisei Tournament, defeating Watanabe 3 games to 0.[64][65] His successful title defense made him the youngest player to successfully defend a major title,[lower-alpha 5] and also meant that he satisfied the promotion criteria for the rank of 9-dan.[64][65] Fujii's promotion to 9-dan at age 18 years and 11 months made him the youngest player to ever be promoted to 9-dan.[64][65][lower-alpha 6]

Fujii successively defended his Ōi title in June–August 2021 by defeating challenger Masayuki Toyoshima 4 games to 1 to win the 62nd Ōi title match. Fujii actually lost Game 1 of the match before winning the next four games to retain his crown.[66] In July–September 2021, Fujii challenged Toyoshima for the latter's Eiō title, with Fujii coming out on top again to win the 6th Eiō title match 3 games to 2.[67] Winning the Eiō title made Fujii the youngest 3-crown title holder in history at 19 years and 1 month which broke the previous record of 22 years and 3 months set by Habu in 1993.[67] Fuiji and Toyoshima met in a major title match for a third time in 2021 when Fujii challenged Toyoshima for the Ryūō title in 34th Ryūō title match held in October – November 2021. Fujii won the match 4 games to none to become the youngest 4-crown title holder.[68][69][lower-alpha 7]

In February 2022, Fujii defeated Watanabe 4 games to 0 to win the 71st Ōshō title (January – February 2022).[70][71] The victory made Fujii not only the fourth player to become a 5-crown title holder,[lower-alpha 8] but also the youngest to achieve such a feat.[lower-alpha 9][70]

Fujii successfully defended his Eiō title by defeating Wakamu Deguchi 3 games to 0 to win the 7th Eiō title match (April – May 2022).[73] In June – July 2022, Fujii defeated Nagase 3 games to 1 to successfully defend his Kisei title.[74] In June – September 2022, Fujii defeated Toyoshima 4 games to 1 in the 63rd Ōi title match to successfully defend his Ōi title and become youngest player to have won ten major titles.[75] In October – December 2022, Fujii defeated Akihito Hirose 4 games to 2 to successfully defend his Ryūō title.[76]

On November 20, 2022, Fujii won the JT Nihon Series tournament for the first time when he defeated Shintarō Saitō to win the 43rd JT Cup.[77]

Fujii won the televised Ginga tournament for the second time when he defeated Taichi Takami to win the 30th Ginga Tournament on December 27, 2022.[78][lower-alpha 10]

2023: Continued dominance and becoming the first 8-crown title holder

On February 23, 2023, he won the 16th Asahi Cup Open by defeating Toyoshima and Watanabe, in the semi-finals and finals respectively. It was the fourth time Fujii won the tournament.[79]

On March 12, 2023, Fujii defeated challenger Habu in Game 6 of the 72nd Ōshō title match (January – March 2023) 4 games to 2. This was the first time the two met in a major title match. The match was tied at two wins apiece after four games, but Fujii won the next two games to defend his Ōshō title.[80]

On March 19, 2023, Fujii defeated Watanabe in Game 4 of the 48th Kiō title match (February – March 2023) to win the match 3 games to 1.[81] This made Fujii not only the second but also the youngest player to become a 6-crown title holder at age 20 years 8 months.[82][lower-alpha 11] On the same day, the final of the 72nd NHK Cup was broadcast[lower-alpha 12] and Fujii defeated Yuki Sasaki 8-dan to win the tournament for the first time.[83] The win also made Fujii the first professional shogi player in history to win all non-major title tournaments in a single season.[83] A few months later in May, Fujii successfully defended his Eiō title by defeating Tatsuya Sugai 3 games to 1 in the 8th Eiō title match.[84] A few days after defending his Eiō title, Fujii defeated Watanabe in Game 5 of the 81st Meijin title match to win the match 4 games to 1 and become the youngest person to win the Meijin title. Fujii's win made him only the second person to become a 7-crown title older and also the youngest to do so.[85] Fujii's undefeated streak in major title matches continued in June–July 2023 when he defeated Daichi Sasaki 3 games to 1 in the 94th Kisei title match to defend his Kisei title.[86]

On October 11, 2023, Fujii defeated Nagase to win the 71st Ōza title match 3 games to 1 and become the first 8-crown title holder in the history of professional shogi. Fujii's victory also gave made him the youngest person at 21 years and 2 month to win the Oza title.[87]

In his first title defense since becoming an 8-crown title holder, Fujii defeated Takumi Itō 4 games to none in the 36th Ryūō title match to win the Ryuo title for the third consecutive year.[88] This was also the first time that Fujii had faced an opponent of the same age in a major title match.[89] A little over a week later, Fujii defeated Itodani 8-dan in the final round of the 44th JT Nihon Series tournament (44th JT Cup) to win the tournament for the second consecutive year.[90]

Promotion history

The promotion history of Fujii is as follows:[9]

  • 6-kyū: September 2012
  • 3-dan: April 2016
  • 4-dan: October 1, 2016
  • 5-dan: February 1, 2018
  • 6-dan: February 17, 2018
  • 7-dan: May 18, 2018
  • 8-dan: August 20, 2020
  • 9-dan: July 3, 2021

Titles and other championships

Fujii has appeared in 18 major title matches, and has won 18 major titles.[91] He has also won ten shogi non-title tournaments.[92]

Major titles

Tournament Years Number of times
Eiō 2020–22(current) 3
Kiō 2022 (current) 1
Kisei 2020–23 (current) 4
Meijin 2023 (current) 1
Ōi 2020–22 (current) 3
Ōshō 2021–22 (current) 2
Ōza 2023 (current) 1
Ryūō 2021–23 (current) 3

Other championships

TournamentYearsNumber of times
Asahi Cup Open 2017–18, 2020, 2022 (current) 4
Shinjin-Ō 2018 1
Ginga-sen 2020, 2022 2
JT Nihon Series 2022-23 (current) 2
NHK Cup 2022 (current) 1

Awards and honors

On March 13, 2018, the JSA announced that Fujii had been confirmed to be the winner of its Annual Shogi Awards for "Most Games Won", "Best Winning Percentage", "Most Game Played" and "Most Consecutive Games Won" for his results during the 2017 professional shogi season (April 1, 2017 – March 31, 2018). Fujii is the youngest player to win those four major awards in the same year and only the third shogi professional to accomplish the feat since 1967.[42][93][94][lower-alpha 13] On April 2, 2018, the JSA announces that Fujii had been awarded the "Best New Player"、the "Special Award" and the "Game of the Year Special Prize" awards as well.[95]

In February 2018, Fujii received a special commendation from Aichi Prefecture for his victory in the 11th Aichi Cup Open and his other shogi accomplishments. Fujii is the youngest ever and only the sixth individual to have received said commendation.[96][97][lower-alpha 14] Fujii was awarded the Seto City's "Distinguished Citizen Award" in March 2018.[98][99][100]

Annual Shogi Awards

  • 45th Annual Shogi Awards (April 2017 – March 2018): Best New Player, Special Award, Best Winning Percentage, Most Games Won, Most Games Played, Most Consecutive Games Won, and Game of the Year Special Prize[95]
  • 46th Annual Shogi Awards (April 2018 – March 2019): Kōzō Masuda Award[101]
  • 47th Annual Shogi Awards (April 2019 – March 2020): Most Games Won, Best Winning Percentage and Game of the Year Special Prize[102]
  • 48th Annual Shogi Awards (April 2020 – March 2021): Player of the Year, Best Winning Percentage, Most Games Won, Game of the Year, Game of the Year Special Prize and Masuda Special Prize[103]
  • 49th Annual Shogi Awards (April 2021 – March 2022): Player of the Year, Most Games Won, Most Games Played and Game of the Year[104][105]
  • 50th Annual Shogi Awards (April 2022 – March 2023): Player of the Year, Best Winning Percentage, Most Games Won, Game of the Year and Game of the Year Special Prize[106]

Other awards

  • 2018: Seto City "Distinguished Citizen Award", Aichi Prefecture "Special Commendation"[99]

Year-end prize money and game fee ranking

Fujii has finished in the "Top 10" of the JSA's year-end prize money and game fee rankings four times since turning professional: 9th place with JPY 21,080,000 in earnings for 2019;[107][108] 4th place with JPY 45,540,000 in earnings in 2020;[109] 3rd place with JPY 69,960,000 in earnings in 2021;[110][111] and 1st place with JPY 122,050,000 in earnings in 2022.[112][113]

Tsume Shogi Solving Competition

In March 2018, Fujii won the 15th Tsume Shogi Solving Competition, thus becoming the only person to win the competition four years in a row.[114] Fujii was the only participant, which included both amateur and professional shogi players, to finish with a perfect score of 100 points.[115] Fujii first won the competition in 2015 as a 12-year-old apprentice shogi professional 2-dan. He was the only participant to finish with a perfect score to become the youngest winner in the competition's history.[116]

Abema TV appearances

Fujii has been featured in several programs broadcast on the JSA's shogi channel of the Internet television station AbemaTV.

In March – April 2017, Fujii was featured in Sōta Fujii 4d The Blazing 7-game Match: New Generation Story in which he played seven games against top professionals selected by the JSA. The games were unofficial, which meant the results did not affect his official win–loss record, and his opponents were (in order) Yasuhiro Masuda, Takuya Nagase, Shintarō Saitō, Taichi Nakamura, Kōichi Fukaura, Yasumitsu Satō and Yoshiharu Habu. Fujii won all of the games except Game 2 against Nagase.[117][118][119][120][121]


Video Game

On March 3, 2020, Game Studio released a video game for the Nintendo Switch in Japan endorsed by Fujii called Kishi - Fujii Souta no Shougi Training (The Shogi Professional Souta Fujii's Shogi Training).[122]

Personal life

In October 2017, Fujii announced that it was his intention to enter senior high school after graduating from junior high school in the spring of 2018. Fujii said that he gave becoming a full-time shogi professional serious consideration but stated "I'd like to continue to progress and make every experience a positive one." Fujii's decision was widely anticipated in Japan and was viewed favorably by fellow shogi professionals and some education critics. Fujii's decision to continue his education is the same one made by the other four shogi professionals who obtained professional status while still a junior high school.[123]

On March 20, 2018, Fujii graduated from Nagoya University Affiliated Lower Secondary School located in Nagoya. He enrolled as a student at Nagoya University Affiliated Upper Secondary School in April 2018[124] but announced that he had left high school at the end of January 2021 to focus on shogi.[125]

Notes

  1. ↑ The Japan Shogi Association (JSA) has separate systems for "regular" professionals (or Seiki Kishi) and women's professionals (or Joryū Kishi). No women has yet to qualify for "regular" professional status, but youngest female to be promoted to women's professional status is Aya Fujita who was promoted when she was 11 years 6 months of age, which makes her the youngest person (male or female) to be awarded any type of professional status by the JSA.
  2. ↑ The other three players are Yoshiharu Habu (four times), Toshiyuki Moriuchi (once) and Kazuki Kimura (once).[42]
  3. ↑ Yoshiharu Habu and Makoto Nakahara won 80% or more of their games three times in their careers, but neither achieved such a result for more than two-years in a row.[55]
  4. ↑ Fujii's promotion to 8-dan at age 18 years 1 month broke the previous record of 18 years 3 months held by Hifumi Katō. His becoming a 2-crown broke the previous record of 21 years 11 months held by Yoshiharu Habu.[59]
  5. ↑ The previous record of 19 years and 0 months was set in 1991 by Nobuyuki Yashiki.[64][65]
  6. ↑ The previous record of 21 years and 7 months was set in 2005 by Akira Watanabe.[64][65]
  7. ↑ Fujii was 19 years and 3 months old when he won his 4th crown. The previous record of 22 years and 9 months was set in 1993 by Yoshiharu Habu.[69]
  8. ↑ The other three are Yasuharu Ōyama, Makoto Nakahara and Yoshiharu Habu.[72]
  9. ↑ Fujii's age of 19 years and 6 months broke the previous record of 22 years and 10 months set by Yoshiharu Habu in August 1993.[70]
  10. ↑ The actual game was played on October 31, 2022, but the result was not made public until the game was broadcast in December.[78]
  11. ↑ Fujii broke the record of 24 years and 2 months set by Yoshiharu Habu in 1994.[82]
  12. ↑ NHK tournament games are recorded for broadcast on a later date, and game results are not made public until a game has been broadcast
  13. ↑ These four awards are based upon player records in official games. Yoshiharu Habu accomplished the same feat four times (1989, 1990, 1993 and 2001) and Kunio Naitō did it once in 1969, under the previous system followed by the JSA.[93]
  14. ↑ Previous recipients were Morimichi Takagi, Midori Ito, Eiko Shishii, Ichiro Suzuki, Kinsan Ginsan and the Chunichi Dragons,[97]

References

  1. ↑ "Kishi Dētabēsu: Fujii Sōta" 棋士データベース: 藤井聡太 [Professional Shogi Player Database: Sōta Fujii] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  2. 1 2 3 "Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii known for fiery competitive spirit since kindergarten". Japan Times. Kyodo News. June 27, 2017. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
  3. ↑ "Tanigawa Kudan, Fujii Shōnen ni Hikiwake Teianshi, Nakareta Kako mo" 谷川九段, 藤井少年に引き分け提案し泣かれた過去も [Young Fujii cried after being offered a draw by Tanigawa 9d]. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). August 15, 2017. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
  4. 1 2 "Fujii Yondan no Shishō "Machigainaku Tsuyokunaru Yokanatta" Shōgi・Sugimoto Nanadan Kataru" 藤井四段の師匠 ｢間違いなく強くなる予感あった」将棋・杉本七段語る [Sugimoto 7d on his pupil Fujii 4d: "I sensed that he would become a strong player"]. The Nikkei (in Japanese). May 30, 2017. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
  5. ↑ Murase, Shinya (October 18, 2015). "Shōgi･Fujii Sōta san, Shijōsainenshō de Sandan ni Jūusansai Nikagetsu" 将棋・藤井聡太さん、史上最年少で三段に 13歳2カ月 [Sota Fujii becomes the youngest person ever promoted to 3-dan at 13 years 2 months]. Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved October 17, 2017.
  6. ↑ "Boy, 14, breaks record for youngest pro 'shogi' player". Japan Times. Jiji Press. September 4, 2016. Archived from the original on September 5, 2016. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  7. ↑ "Aichi student, 14, eager to follow in footsteps of early 'shogi' pros". Japan Times. Kyodo News. September 25, 2016. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  8. ↑ "Shōreikai Sandanrīgu Ikki Nuke Shōdansha" 奨励会三段リーグ1期抜け昇段者 (1987年度以降) [Players promoted from the 3-dan league after only one season (since 1987)] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. September 3, 2016. Retrieved October 17, 2017.
  9. 1 2 "Kishi Dētabēsu: Fujii Sōta Shōdan Rireki" 棋士データベース: 藤井聡太 昇段履歴 [Professional Shogi Player Database: Sōta Fujii Promotion History] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
  10. ↑ "Japan's youngest pro shogi player beats its oldest top player in debut match". Japan Times. Kyodo News. December 25, 2016. Retrieved November 24, 2017.
  11. ↑ Mogami, Satoshi; Yamamura, Hideki (December 24, 2017). "Saineshō･Fujii Yondan ga Sainenchō･Katō Kudan to Debyūsen" 最年少･藤井四段が最年長･加藤九段とデビュー戦 [Youngest professional Fujii 4d's opponent for debut game is oldest professional Katō 9d]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved November 24, 2017.
  12. ↑ "Shogi prodigy sets record with 11 straight wins since debut". Japan Times. Jiji Press. April 5, 2017. Retrieved November 24, 2017.
  13. ↑ Niidoi, Hitoaki (April 5, 2017). "Japan's youngest shogi professional sets record with 11th straight win since debut". Mainichi Shimbun. Retrieved November 24, 2017.
  14. ↑ "Fujii Sōta Yondan, Debyū Renshō Kiroku Kōshin! Jūsan Rensho e" 藤井聡太四段, デビュー連勝記録更新! 13連勝へ [Sota Fujii 4d wins 13th consecutive game to set new record for most consecutive wins since debut game.] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. April 17, 2017. Retrieved November 24, 2017.
  15. ↑ "Fujii Yondan ga Moriuchi Kudan Gekiha, Katō Hifumi-sen Irai Meijinkiri" 藤井四段が森内九段撃破, 加藤一二三戦以来名人斬り [Fujii 4d crushes Moriuchi Kudan to defeat first former-Meijin since his game against Hifumi Katō]. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). September 3, 2017. Retrieved November 24, 2017. 藤井四段の1回戦となった千田翔太六段戦は5月14日に放送された。通常, 勝敗は放送終了まで公表されないが, 当時13連勝目がかかっていたため、特例として収録日の4月17日に結果を公表した。[Fujii's round one game against Shōta Chida was broadcast on May 14. Normally, NHK game results are not made public until the game is broadcast, but the result of Fujii's game against Chida was announced on April 17 (the day it was recorded) as a special exception to this practice because it was Fujii's 13th win in a row.]
  16. ↑ Niidoi, Hitoaki (November 22, 2017). "'Fujii fever' fires up again: Shogi prodigy hits 50 wins at record-breaking pace". Mainichi Shimbun. Retrieved November 24, 2017.
  17. ↑ Matsuura, Takashi (November 22, 2017). "Fujii Yondan Gojūshō ｢Setsu Moku no Sūji｣ Kangai Hyōgen" 藤井四段50勝 ｢節目(せつもく)の数字｣ 感慨表現 [Fujii 4d calls 50th win a "watershed number"]. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). Retrieved November 24, 2017.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 "Fujii Yondan Nijūkyū Renshō! Kōshikisen Zenseiseki" 藤井四段29連勝！公式戦全成績 [Fujii 4d wins 29th game in a row! Game record for all official games]. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). June 26, 2017. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  19. ↑ Murase, Shinya (July 3, 2017). "'Shogi' sensation Fujii finally loses after record 29 consecutive wins". Asahi Shimbun. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  20. ↑ Demetriou, Danielle (July 2, 2017). "Fourteen-year-old Japanese shogi prodigy ends historic winning streak". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  21. ↑ Kobayashi, Kakummi (July 2, 2017). "Record-setting winning streak of shogi prodigy Sota Fujii halted at 29 games". Japan Times. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  22. ↑ "Youngest 'shogi' pro Sota Fujii matches longest winning streak with 28th victory". Japan Times. Kyodo News. June 21, 2017. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  23. ↑ "Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii wins record 29th straight match". Japan Times. Kyodo News. June 27, 2017. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  24. ↑ "Japanese chess prodigy, 14, breaks 30-year winning streak record". Reuters. June 27, 2017. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  25. ↑ Howie, Michael (June 27, 2017). "Boy, 14, wins record-breaking 29 games of Japanese version of chess". Evening Standard. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  26. 1 2 3 "Dai Rokujūnanakai NHKhaisen Yosen Gokumi" 第67回NHK杯戦 予選 5組 [67th NHK Cup Preliminaries Group 5] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. 2017. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
  27. ↑ "Shogi pro Sota Fujii, 14, extends record with 23rd win". Japan Times. Kyodo News. June 7, 2017. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  28. ↑ "Shogi wonder Fujii wins 25th match in game's second-longest winning streak". Japan Times. Kyodo News. June 10, 2017. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  29. ↑ McCurry, Justin (June 27, 2017). "Japan's love of shogi reignited thanks to 14-year-old record-breaker". The Guardian. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  30. 1 2 "Despite loss, shogi prodigy Sota Fujii has revived the game's fortunes". Japan Times. Kyodo News. July 3, 2017. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  31. ↑ "Fujii Sōta Yondan Jūgosai no Tanjōbi ni Jimoto wa Sēru Kaisai" 藤井聡太四段15歳の誕生日に地元はセール開催 [Local merchants hold special sale to commemorate Sota Fujii 4-dan's 15th birthday]. Sports Hochi (in Japanese). Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  32. ↑ "Shijō Sainenshō, Fujii Kishi no Sensu ga Hatsubai" 史上最年少, 藤井棋士の扇子が発売 ｢四段｣ では異例 [Japanese hand fans commemorating youngest professional Fujii go on sale. Merchandise sold for a 4-dan professional is unusual]. Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). June 7, 2017. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  33. ↑ "Fujii Yondan no Sensu, Wazuka Ichijikan De Kanbai" 藤井四段の扇子, わずか1時間で完売 [Japanese hand fans commemorating Fujii Yondan completely sold out in about an hour]. Sankei Shimbun (in Japanese). June 7, 2017. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  34. ↑ "Urekirechū no Fujii Sōta Yondan no Sensu ga Ōkushon ni…Mondaiten wa?" 売り切れ中の藤井聡太四段の扇子がオークションに…問題点は? [Sold out Japanese hand fans signed by Sōta Fujii showing up on online auction sites…Is this a problem?]. All About (in Japanese). June 9, 2017. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  35. ↑ "Shōgi･Fujii Sota Yondan ｢Nijūkyu Renshō｣ Toki no Kōkoku Kōka wa Yaku Hyaku Hachijūgo Oku En Nihon Shōgi Renmei ga Shisan" 将棋･藤井聡太四段 ｢29連勝｣ 時の広告効果は約185億円 日本将棋連盟が試算 [Japan Shogi Association estimates impact of Sota Fujii's 29-game winning streak on advertizing revenue to be about JPY 18,500,000,000]. Abema Times (in Japanese). December 2, 2017. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  36. ↑ "Fujii Yondan, Meijin ni Shōri mo ｢Jitsuryoku Mada Mada｣ Jimoto de Kaikyo" 藤井四段 名人に勝利も｢実力まだまだ」地元で快挙 [Fujii 4d has successful homecoming, but says there's still room for improvement after beating the reigning Meijin]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). Kyodo News. January 14, 2018. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
  37. ↑ Maruyama, Susumu (February 1, 2018). "Fujii Yondan Chūgakusei Hatsu no Godan Jun'isen Kyūrenshō de Shōkyū" 藤井四段 中学生初の五段に昇段 順位戦9連勝で昇級 [Fujii 4-dan becomes the first ever junior high school student to achieve 5-dan, promoted in Meijin Class League play after winning 9 consecutive games.]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  38. ↑ "Fujii defeats Habu, rises to 6th dan". Japan Times. Jiji Press. February 17, 2018. Archived from the original on February 17, 2018. Retrieved April 26, 2019.
  39. ↑ Maruyama, Susumu; Yamamura, Hideki (February 17, 2018). "Fujii Godan ga Shijō Sainenshō Kisen Yūshō Rokudan Shōdan mo" 藤井五段が史上最年少棋戦優勝 六段昇段も [Fujii 5-dan becomes the youngest ever to win a professional shogi tournament and be promoted to 6-dan]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved February 17, 2018.
  40. ↑ Yoshikawa, Kei (February 17, 2018). "Fujii Sōta Godan, Shijō Sainensho de Yūshō & Rokudan Shōshin" 藤井聡太五段, 史上最年少で優勝&六段昇進 [Sota Fujii 5-dan, youngest ever to win tournament and promotion to 6-dan]. Huffington Post Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved February 18, 2018.
  41. ↑ Yamamura, Hideki; Mogami, Satoshi (March 15, 2018). "Fujii Rokudan, Zenshō de Shōkyū...Rokunenburi C-kyū Nikumi Jun'isen" 藤井六段, 全勝で昇級....6年ぶり C級2組順位戦 [Fujii 6d first player in 6 years to finish Class C2 undefeated]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  42. 1 2 3 "Fujii Sōta Rokudan no Kaishigeki...Shōgi Taishō Yonbumon Dokusen towa" 藤井六段の快進撃...将棋大賞4部門独占とは [Sōta Fujii 6d continues to impress. Dominates four Annual Shogi Award categories]. Yomiuri Shimbun (in Japanese). March 22, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  43. ↑ "Sangatsu Nijūyōka (Suiyōbi) Inoue Keita Kudan vs Fujii Sōta Rokudan no Taikyoku wo Shōgi Puremiamu/Igo･Shōgi Channeru de Namachūkei" 3/28(水)井上慶太九段vs藤井聡太六段の対局を将棋プレミアム/囲碁･将棋チャンネルで生中継 [3/28 (Wed.) Keita Inoue 9d vs. Sota Fujii 6d will be broadcast live on the Igo & Shogi Channel's "Shogi Premium" service] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. March 26, 2018. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  44. ↑ Niidoi, Hitoaki (March 29, 2018). "Chūgakkō Saigo wa Kuroboshi Fujii Rokudan, Gojūdai Inoue Kudan ni" 中学最後は黒星 藤井六段, 50代井上九段に [Fujii 6d's last game as a junior high school student is a loss to 50-something Inoue 9d]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  45. ↑ "Nijūrenshō no Saigen Naruka!? Fujii Sōta Rokudan, Chōhaireberu no Jūni Renshōchū" 29連勝の再現なるか!? 藤井聡太六段, 超ハイレベルの12連勝中 [Will it be another 29-game winning streak!? Sōta Fujii 6d is currently on a 12-game winning streak and playing at a very high level.] (in Japanese). Abema News. February 24, 2018. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  46. ↑ Matsuura, Takashi (March 9, 2018). "Fujii Rokudan ｢Ongaeshi｣ Shishō Sugimoto Shichidan wo Hyakujūitte de Yaburu" 藤井六段 ｢恩返し｣ 師匠杉本七段を111手で破る [Fujii 6d defeats mentor Sugimoto 7d in 111 moves. Says he wanted to play well to replay him for everything Sugimotohas done for him.]. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  47. ↑ "Fujii Rokudan, Itodani Hachidan Yaburi Jūrokurenshō Ōzasen Yosen" 藤井六段, 糸谷八段破り16連勝 王座戦予選 [Ōza tournament preliminaries: Fujii 6d defeats Itodani 8d for 16th consecutive win]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). March 22, 2018. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  48. ↑ Niidoi, Hitoaki (May 18, 2018). "Fujii Rokudan Shijō Sainenshō de Shichidan Shōdan Ryūōsen Renzoku Shōkyū de" 藤井六段 史上最年少で七段昇段 竜王戦連続昇級で [Fujii 6d becomes youngest ever 7d by being promoted in Ryūō class for consecutive years]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  49. ↑ "Shogi whiz Fujii becomes youngest promoted to seventh dan". The Japan Times. Jiji Press. May 19, 2018. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  50. ↑ Niidoi, Hiroaki (October 17, 2018). "Shogi whiz kid Fujii, 16, breaks 31-year record for youngest rookie of year". Mainichi Shimbun. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  51. ↑ "Sota Fujii, 16, becomes youngest shogi player to reach 100 wins". Japan Times. Kyodo News. December 13, 2018. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
  52. ↑ "Fujii Sōta Shichidan Jūhachirenshō Nakahara Jūrokusei Meijin no Kiroku Narabu" 藤井聡太七段18連勝 中原誠16世名人の記録並ぶ [Sōta Fujii wins 18th consecutive game to tie 16th Lifetime Meijin Nakahara's record]. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). January 8, 2019. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
  53. ↑ "Japanese chess prodigy Fujii's winning streak snapped". Mainichi Shimbun. February 6, 2019. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
  54. ↑ Maruyama, Susumu (February 16, 2019). "Rising shogi star Fujii wins Asahi Cup for 2nd straight year". Mainichi Shimbun. Translation of Maruyama's original Japanese article into English by Mainichi Shimbun staff writers. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  55. 1 2 "Shōgi no Fujii Shichidan, Sannen Renzoku Shōritsu Hachiwari Habu Kudan wo Nuki Hatsu" 将棋の藤井七段, 3年連続勝率8割 羽生九段を抜き初 [Fujii 7-dan finishes with a .800 winning percentage for the third consecutive year to become the first player to do so, surpassing Habu 9-dan]. The Nikkei (in Japanese). Kyodo News. March 24, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  56. ↑ "Kiseisen Fujii Sōta Shichidan Sainenshō de Taitorusen Sanjūichinenburi ni Kōshin e" 棋聖戦 藤井聡太七段 最年少でタイトル挑戦 31年ぶりに更新へ [Kisei Tournament: Sōta Fujii 7-dan to challenge for title to become the youngest challenger ever for a major title, breaking the previous record set 31 years ago]. NHK News Web (in Japanese). June 4, 2020. Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  57. ↑ "Japanese shogi prodigy Sota Fujii becomes youngest to win major title". Kyodo News. July 16, 2020. Retrieved July 16, 2020.
  58. ↑ "Shogi prodigy Fujii wins his first major title". NHK World-Japan. July 16, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  59. 1 2 Niidoi, Hiroaki (August 20, 2020). "Japanese teen shogi star Fujii wins Oi tournament to become youngest to hold 2 major titles". Mainichi Shimbun. Original Japanese article by Hiroaki Niidoi, Osaka Cultural News Department; English translation by Mainichi Shimbun staff writer(s). Retrieved August 20, 2020.
  60. ↑ "Sota Fujii becomes youngest shogi player with two major titles". Japan Times. JiJi Press. August 20, 2020. Retrieved August 20, 2020.
  61. ↑ Murakami, Kōji (August 21, 2020). "Shogi star Fujii continues hot streak, powers to 2nd major title". Asahi Shimbun. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  62. ↑ "Fujii, Ginga-sen Sainenshō Yūshō Shogi Terebi Kisen" 藤井, 銀河戦最年少優勝 将棋テレビ棋戦 [Fujii becomes the youngest ever to win the televised shogi tournament the Ginga-sen]. The Nikkei (in Japanese). Kyodo News. December 12, 2020. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  63. ↑ "Shōgi no Fujii Nikan ｢Asahi Hai｣ Sankaime no Yūshō" 将棋の藤井二冠 ｢朝日杯｣ 3回目の優勝 [Fujii 2-crown wins Asahi Cup Open for the third time]. NHK News Web (in Japanese). February 11, 2021. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  64. 1 2 3 4 5 "Fujii Nikan ga Kisei Hatsu Bōei Sanrenshō de Sainenshō Kiroku Kōshin―Jūhassai, Hatsu no Kudan ni" 藤井二冠が棋聖初防衛 3連勝で最年少記録更新―18歳, 初の九段に [Fujii 2-crown successful in first title defense of Kisei title; wins match 3–0 to become the youngest person (and the first 18-year-old) to be promoted to the rank of 9-dan]. Jiji Press (in Japanese). July 3, 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
  65. 1 2 3 4 5 "Sōta Fujii becomes youngest to reach top shogi rank". Japan Times. JiJi Press, Kyodo News. July 4, 2021. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  66. ↑ "Fujii Ōi ga Taitoru Bōei Toyoshima Nikan ni Yonshō Ippai" 藤井王位がタイトル防衛 豊島二冠に4勝1敗. Jiji Press (in Japanese). Retrieved August 26, 2021.
  67. 1 2 "Fujii Kisei ga Eiō Dasshu, Saineshō de Sankan" 藤井棋聖が叡王奪取, 最年少で3冠 [Fujii Kisei captures Eiō title to become youngest 3-crown title holder]. Sankei Shimbun (in Japanese). September 13, 2021. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  68. ↑ "Shōgi･Fujii Sankan ga Ryūō Dasshu Sainenshō Jūkyusai de Yonkan" 将棋･藤井三冠が竜王奪取 最年少19歳で四冠 [Fujii 3-crown captures Ryūō title to become the youngest 4-crown ever at age 19]. The Nikkei (in Japanese). November 13, 2021. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  69. 1 2 "Fujii wins shogi's Ryuo crown, youngest to hold 4 major titles". Mainichi Shimbun. November 13, 2021. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
  70. 1 2 3 "Fujii, Sainenshō Gokan Tassei Jūkyūsai Rokkagetsu Ōshōsen Yonrenshō" 藤井, 最年少5冠達成 19歳6カ月　王将戦4連勝 [Fujii wins four straight games to capture the Ōshō title and become the youngest 5-crown title holder at age 19 years and 6 months]. Sankei Shimbun (in Japanese). February 12, 2022. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  71. ↑ "Sota Fujii becomes youngest shogi player with five major titles". Japan Times. Kyodo News. February 12, 2022. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  72. ↑ "Fujii Sōta, Shijō Sainenshō de Gokan Kakutoku" 藤井聡太, 史上最年少で五冠獲得 [Sota Fujii becomes youngest 5-crown title holder] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. February 12, 2022. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
  73. ↑ "Fujii Gokan ga Eiō Hatsu Bōei Sanrenshō de Deguchi Rokudan Kudasu" 藤井五冠が叡王初防衛 3連勝で出口六段下す [Fujii 5-crown successfully defends Eiō title by defeating Deguchi 6-dan 3 games to none]. Jiji Press (in Japanese). May 24, 2022. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  74. ↑ "Fujii Sōta Gokan ga ｢Kisei｣ no Taitoru wo Bōei" 藤井聡太五冠が「棋聖」のタイトルを防衛 [Sōta Fujii 5-crown successfully defends "Kisei" title]. TV Asahi (in Japanese). July 17, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  75. ↑ Maruyama, Susumu (September 6, 2022). "Fujii Sōta Gokan ga Ōisen Sanrenpa Tsūsan Taitoru Jikki, Reikidai Sainenshō" 藤井聡太5冠が王位戦3連覇　通算タイトル10期, 歴代最年少 [Sōta Fujii 5-crown defends Ōi title to win the title for the third consecutive year; Fujii also becomes the youngest person to win 10 major titles overall]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved September 12, 2022.
  76. ↑ "Sota Fujii successfully defends Ryuo title". Yomiuri Shimbun. December 3, 2022. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
  77. ↑ "[JT-hai] Fujii Sōta Ryū-Ō ga Habu Kudan Goe Sainenshō V Chūban de Hishatori ｢Kore de Saseru to Omoimashita｣" [JT杯] 藤井聡太竜王が羽生九段超え最年少V 中盤で飛車取り｢これで指せると思いました｣ [[JT Cup] Sōta Fujii Ryū-O wins JT Cup. Replaces Habu 9-dan as the youngest winner in the tournament's history. Fujii successfully captured his opponent's rook in the middle game stating afterwards, "I thought it was a line I could play."]. The Nikkei (in Japanese). November 20, 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  78. 1 2 "Fujii Gokan, Gingasen Nidome no Yūshō" 藤井五冠, 銀河戦2度目の優勝 [Fujii 5-crown wins the Ginga tournament for the second time]. Sankei Shimbun (in Japanese). December 27, 2022. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  79. ↑ "Fujii Gokan, Shōgi･Asahi-hai Yūshō Watanabe Nikan Yaburi Yonkaime" 藤井五冠, 将棋･朝日杯優勝 渡辺二冠破り4回目 [Shogi's Asahi Cup Open: Fujii 5-crown defeats Watanabe 2-crown to win tournament for the fourth time]. Sankei Shimbun (in Japanese). February 23, 2023. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  80. ↑ "Shōgi ｢Ōshōsen｣ Fujii Gokan ga Habu Kudan ni Katte Taitoru Bōei" 将棋 ｢王将戦｣ 藤井五冠が羽生九段に勝ってタイトル防衛 [Shogi Ōshō Tournament: Fujii 5-crown defeats Habu 9-dan to defend title]. NHK News Web (in Japanese). March 12, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  81. ↑ "Fujii Becomes Youngest Shogi Player with 6 Major Titles". JiJi Press. March 19, 2023. Retrieved March 19, 2023 – via Nippon.com.
  82. 1 2 "Fujii becomes second player in shogi history to hold six major titles". Japan Times. Kyodo News. March 19, 2023. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
  83. 1 2 "Fujii Sōta Ryūō, NHKhaisen de Sasaki Yūki Hachidan Kudashi Hatsuyūshō...Shijō Hatsu no Ippan Kisen Zenseha" 藤井聡太竜王, NHK杯で佐々木勇気八段下し初優勝...史上初の一般棋戦全制覇 [Sōta Fujii Ryūo defeats Yūki Sasaki to win NHK Cup for the first time; Fujii's win also makes him the first professional shogi player to win all non-major title tournaments in a single year]. Yomiuri Shimbun (in Japanese). March 19, 2023. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  84. ↑ "Shōgi ｢Eiōsen｣ Fujii Sōta Rokkan ga Taitoru Bōei Sanrenpa Hatasu" 将棋 ｢叡王戦｣ 藤井聡太六冠がタイトル防衛 3連覇果たす [Sōta Fujii 6-crown successful in Eiō title defense; wins the Eiō title for the third year in a row]. NHK News Web (in Japanese). May 28, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  85. ↑ "Sota Fujii becomes 2nd player in shogi history with 7 major titles". Mainichi Shimbun. Kyodo News. June 1, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
  86. ↑ "Shōgi Fujii Sōta Nanakan ｢Kisei-sen｣ Yonrenpa Kotoshi Futatsume no Taitoru Bōei" 将棋 藤井聡太七冠 ｢棋聖戦｣ 4連覇 今年度2つ目のタイトル防衛 [Shogi's Sōta Fujii 7-crown successfully defends Kisei title; it's his second successful title defense this year and his fourth consecutive Kisei title match victory]. NHK News Web (in Japanese). July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
  87. ↑ Inoue, Yukana (October 11, 2023). "Sota Fujii becomes first ever to win all eight major shogi titles". The Japan Times. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  88. ↑ "Fujii Sōta Ryūō Sanrenpa, Hachikan Hatsuboei...Itō Takumi Nanadan ni Yon Renshō" 藤井聡太竜王3連覇, 八冠初防衛...伊藤匠七段に4連勝 [Sōta Fujii wins Ryūō title for the third consencutive year; in his first title defense since becoming an 8-crown title holder, Fujii defeats Takumi Itō 7-dan 4 games to none.]. Yomiuri Shimbun (in Japanese). November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  89. ↑ "Fujii Sōta Ryūō ni Hatsu no Dōgakunen Chōsensha Itō Takumi Roku-dan ga Nagase Takuya Ōza ni Renshō de Kettei... Jūgatsu Muika, Nanoka ni Daiichikyoku" 藤井聡太竜王に初の同学年挑戦者 伊藤匠六段が永瀬拓矢王座に連勝で決定...10月6,7日に第1局 [Sōta Fujii Ryūō face someone his own age for the first time in a major title match and Takumi Itū 6-dan defeats Takuya Nagase Oza 2 games to none to win the best-of-three Ryuo challenger match. Game 1 of the title match will take place on October 6 and 7.]. Sports Hochi (in Japanese). August 15, 2023. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  90. ↑ "Fujii Sōta Hachikan ga JT-hai Nirenpa Shōgi, Kesshō de Itodani Hachidan Kudasu" 藤井聡太八冠がJT杯2連覇 将棋,決勝で糸谷八段下す [Sōta Fujii 8-crown defeats Itodani 8-dan to win JT Cup for second year in a row]. The Nikkei. Kyodo News. November 19, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  91. ↑ "Kishi Dētabēsu: Fujii Sōta Taitoru Rireki" 棋士データベース: 藤井聡太 タイトル履歴 [Professional Shogi Player Database: Sōta Fujii Major Title History] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
  92. ↑ "Kishi Dētabēsu: Fujii Sōta Yūshō Rireki" 棋士データベース: 藤井聡太 優勝履歴 [Professional Shogi Player Database: Sōta Fujii Championship History] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  93. 1 2 "Fujii Sōta Rokudan, Shōgi Taishō Kiroku Yonbu Dokusen no Oshirase" 藤井聡太六段, 将棋大賞記録4部門独占のお知らせ [Sōta Fujii confirmed as winner four Annual Shogi Awards] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. March 13, 2018. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  94. ↑ "Fujii Sōta Rokudan, Shijō Sanninme no Yonbumon Dokusen Kakutei!｢Ureshiku Omoimasu｣" 藤井聡太六段, 史上3人目の4部門独占確定! ｢うれしく思います｣ [Sota Fujii 6d confirmed to be only the third shogi professional to dominate four categories! Says he's happy to have achieved such a result.]. Sports Hochi (in Japanese). March 13, 2018. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  95. 1 2 "Saiyūshūkishi Habu Yoshiharu Ryūō, Tokubetsushō ni Fujii Sōta Rokudan. Dai Yonjūgokai Shōgi Taishō Kimaru" 最優秀棋士賞に羽生善治竜王, 特別賞に藤井聡太六段. 第45回将棋大賞決まる [Shogi News: 45th Annual Award Winners] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. April 2, 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  96. ↑ "Fujii Sōta Rokudan e no Aichiken Tokubetsu Hyōshō" 藤井聡太六段への愛知県特別表彰について [Sōta Fujii 6d receives special commendation from Aichi Prefecture] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. February 27, 2018. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  97. 1 2 "About Aichi Prefecture special commendation to the Fujii Sota 6th dan". Aichi Prefectural Government. February 26, 2018. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  98. ↑ "Fujii Sōta Rokudan, ｢Setoshimin Eiyoshō｣" 藤井聡太六段, ｢瀬戸市民栄誉賞｣ 表彰 [Sōta Fujii 6d receives "Seto Distinguished Citizen Award"] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. March 23, 2018. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  99. 1 2 "Fujii Sōta Rokudan ni Setoshi ga Eiyoshō ｢Shōjinshitai｣ Ken mo Hyōshō" 藤井六段に瀬戸市が栄誉賞 ｢精進したい｣ 県も表彰 [Sōta Fujii 6d receive "Distinguished Citizen Award" from Seto City. Says he wants to continue to improve. Also receives award from Aichi Prefecture.]. The Nikkei (in Japanese). Kyodo News. March 30, 2018. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  100. ↑ Tani, Yūki; Matsumura, Hidenori (March 31, 2018). "Fujii Sōta Rokudan, Setoshimin Eiyoshō ni Eigao ｢Shōjinshiteikitai｣" 藤井六段, 瀬戸市民栄誉賞に笑顔 ｢精進していきたい｣ [A smiling Sota Fuji 6d receives Seto City's "Distinguished Citizen Award". Says he wants to continue to devote himself to improving]. Chunichi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  101. ↑ "Saiyūshūkishishō wa Toyoshima Nikan Fujii Shichidan wa ｢Myōshu｣ de Jushō" 最優秀棋士賞は豊島二冠 藤井七段は｢妙手｣で受賞 [Toyoshima 2-crown named "Player of the Year"; Fujii 7d wins award for "best move"]. Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). April 1, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  102. ↑ "Shōgi Taishō, Saiyūshūkishishō ni Watanabe Sankan...Nikaime" 将棋大賞, 最優秀棋士賞に渡辺明三冠...2回目 [Shogi Annual Awards: Watanabe 3-crown wins “Player of the year” for the second time.]. Yomiuri Shimbun (in Japanese). April 1, 2020. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
  103. ↑ "Dai Yonjūhakkai Shōgi Taishō Jushōsha no Oshirase" 第48回将棋大賞受賞者のお知らせ [48th Annual Shogi Awards Winners] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. April 1, 2021. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  104. ↑ "Dai Yonjūkūkai Shōgi Taishō Jushōsha no Oshirase" 第49回将棋大賞受賞者のお知らせ [49th Annual Shogi Awards Winners] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. April 1, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  105. ↑ "[Shōgi Taishō] Fujii Sōta Ryūō ga Ninen Renzoku MVP Saita Shōri Gojūshō no uchi Taitorusen de Jūhasshō" [将棋大賞] 藤井聡太竜王が2年連続MVP 最多勝利52勝のうちタイトル戦で18勝 [Annual Shogi Awards: Sōta Fujii Ryūō wins "Player of the Year" for second year in a row. Fujii also wins award for most wins with 52; 18 of his wins were in major title matches]. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). April 1, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  106. ↑ "Daigojūkai Shōgi Taishō Saiyūshūkishishō ni Shijō Sainenshō Rokkan no Fujii Sōta Ōshō wo Sannen Renzoku de Senshutsu" 第50回将棋大賞 最優秀棋士賞に史上最年少6冠の藤井聡太王将を3年連続で選出 [50th Annual Shogi Awards: Sota Fujii Osho, the youngest 6-crown title holder in history, selected 'Player of the Year' for the third year in a row]. Sports Nippon (in Japanese). April 3, 2023. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  107. ↑ "2019nen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto 10" 2019年獲得賞金・対局料ベスト10 [2019 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 10] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. February 3, 2020. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
  108. ↑ "Fujii Shichidan ga Shōkin Besuto 10 Toyoshima Nikan, Hatsu no Ichii" 藤井七段が賞金ベスト10 豊島二冠, 初の1位 [Fujii 7-dan finishes in the Top 10 of the Prize Money List; Toyoshima 2-crown captures the top spot for the first time.]. The Nikkei (in Japanese). Kyodo News. February 3, 2020. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
  109. ↑ Yamamura, Hideki (February 5, 2021). "Toyoshima Ryūō ga Ninen Renzoku Shōkin Ichi'i, Gonenburi Ichi Oku En Kishi ni Fujii Nikan wa Yon'i ni" 豊島竜王が2年連続賞金1位, 5年ぶり1億円棋士に 藤井2冠は4位に [Toyoshima Ryuō becomes the first professional shogi player earn 100 million or more yen in five years and finishes at the top of the earnings list for the second consecutive year. Fujii 2-crown finishes fourth.]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  110. ↑ "Nisennijūichinen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto Ten" 2021年獲得賞金・対局料ベスト10 [2021 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 10] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. February 3, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
  111. ↑ "Fujii Sōta Ryūō ga Shōkin Rankingu San'i, Watanabe Akira Meijin Ichi'i, Habu Yoshiharu Kudan wa Goi" 藤井聡太竜王が賞金ランキング3位, 渡辺明名人1位, 羽生善治九段は5位 [Sota Fujii Ryuō finish third in the annual prize money and game fee rankings; Akira Watanabe Meijin and Yoshiharu Habu 9-dan finish first and fifth respectively]. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). February 3, 2022. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  112. ↑ "Shōgi･Fujii Sōta Gokan ga Nisennijūninen Shōkin･Taikyokuryō Ichiokunisennihyakugomanen de Hatsu no Ichii! Zennen San'i kara Hiyaku" 将棋･藤井聡太五冠が2022年賞金･対局料1億2205万円で初の１位! 前年3位から飛躍 [2022 professional shogi year-end prize money and game fee ranking: Sōta Fuji 5-crown captures top spot for the first time! Jumps from 3rd to 1st with ¥122,050,000]. Sports Hochi (in Japanese). February 3, 2023. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
  113. ↑ "Nisennijūninen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto Ten" 2022年獲得賞金･対局料ベスト10 [2022 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 10] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. February 3, 2023. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
  114. ↑ "Fujii Rokudan ga Yonrenpa Tsume Shōgi Kaitō Senshuken" 藤井六段が4連覇 詰将棋解答選手権 [Fujii 6d wins Tsume Shogi Solving Competition for 4th consecutive year]. The Nikkei (in Japanese). March 27, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
  115. ↑ "Fujii Rokudan ga "Tsume Shōgi Kaitō Senshuken" de Taikai Shijō Hatsu Yonrenpa" 藤井六段が ｢詰将棋解答選手権｣ で大会史上初4連覇 [Fujii 6d wins Tsume Shogi Solving Competition to becomes the first four-time winner]. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). March 25, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
  116. ↑ Kashiwazaki, Kaiichiro (April 25, 2015). "Tsume Shōgi Senshuken, Sainenshō V Fujii Sōta Nidan Junisai" 詰将棋選手権, 最年少Ｖ 藤井聡太二段 12歳 [12-year-old Sota Fujii 2d wins Tsume Shogi Competition to become youngest winner in competition history]. The Nikkei (in Japanese). Retrieved May 18, 2018.
  117. ↑ "Fujii Sōta Yondan Honoo no Nanaban Shōbu" 藤井聡太四段 炎の七番勝負 [Sōta Fujii 4d The Blazing 7-game Match] (in Japanese). Abema TV. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
  118. ↑ Murase, Shinya (April 23, 2017). "Jūyonsai Fujii Yondan, Habu Sankan Yaburu, Shōgi no Hikōshiksen" 14歳藤井聡太四, 羽生三冠破る 将棋の非公式戦 [!4-year-old Fujii 4d defeats Habu 3-crown in unofficial game]. Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved November 25, 2017.
  119. ↑ Yamamura, Hideki (April 23, 2017). "Jūyonsai Fujii Yondan, Habu Sankan Yaburu Hikōshiksen" 14歳藤井四段, 羽生3冠破る 非公式戦 [14-year-old Fujii 4d beats Habu 3-crown in unofficial game]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved November 25, 2017.
  120. ↑ "Sainenshō Jūyonsai Fujii Yondan, Habu Sankan mo Yaburu!" 最年少14歳棋士･藤井四段, 羽生3冠も破る! [Youngest shogi professional 14-year-old Fujii 4d able to defeat even Habu 3-crown]. Sports Hochi (in Japanese). April 23, 2017. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
  121. ↑ "Habu ni Katta! Jūyonsai no Chūgakusei Kishi･Fujii Yondan, Kōshikisen Jūsan Renshō no Jitsuryoku Shōmei" 羽生に勝った! 14歳の中学生棋士･藤井四段, 公式戦13連勝の実力証明 [Even beats Habu! 14-year-old junior high school shogi professional Fujii 4d's 13-game winning streak in official games not a fluke]. Sankei Shimbun (in Japanese). April 24, 2017. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
  122. ↑ 【棋士・藤井聡太の将棋トレーニング】公式PV
  123. ↑ "Shogi prodigy Fujii opts for high school". Yomiuri Shimbun. October 26, 2017. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  124. ↑ Niidoi, Hitoaki (March 20, 2018). "Fujii Rokudan, Fushime Chūgakkō Sotsugyō ｢Saranaru Takami e｣" 藤井六段, 節目 中学卒業 ｢さらなる高みへ｣ [Fujii 6d reaches milestone by graduating from junior high school. Says he will continue to aim even higher.]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  125. ↑ Yamamura, Hideaki (February 16, 2021). "Shogi record-breaker Sota Fujii announces he has left high school to focus on game". Mainichi Shimbun. Translated version of an article written by Hideaki Yamamura in Japanese and published on February 16, 2021. Translator(s) of Yamamura's article are unknown Mainichi Shimbun staff members. Retrieved August 26, 2021.

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