Old Age Retirement: 98-year-old Japanese pro board game player steps away from competition
In the world of Go, a game known for its complexity and strategic depth, Kazuko Sugiuchi has left an indelible mark. The Japanese player, who has been a professional since 1948, has announced her retirement from the competitive scene.
Go, a strategy game played with black and white stones on a square wooden table, is particularly popular in Japan, South Korea, and China. Sugiuchi, who became Japan's oldest professional Go player in April last year, broke the record for oldest professional Go player previously held by her late husband Masao.
Sugiuchi's career highlights include winning the Women's Meijin Championship four times in a row, a feat that showcases her exceptional skill and consistency. She also became the first woman to reach the ninth dan rank in Go, a testament to her dedication and mastery of the game.
The Asian Games in Hangzhou, held in 2023, featured Go as one of its events, and Sugiuchi, despite her advancing years, was still a force to be reckoned with. However, the gruelling sessions at the board have taken their toll, and Sugiuchi finds playing six hours without a break no longer possible.
As she retires, Sugiuchi expresses her gratitude to everyone who has shown her kindness over 80 years as a Go player. The successor in the Japanese Go scene after her retirement is not publicly specified, leaving a vacancy in the ranks that Sugiuchi has long dominated.
Despite her retirement, Sugiuchi is set to be promoted to the rank of ninth dan after retiring. However, no information has been provided about any upcoming promotions or honours for Sugiuchi after her retirement.
Sugiuchi's first title came 11 years after turning professional, a testament to her perseverance and dedication. As she steps away from the board, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of Go players.
No specific year was provided for Sugiuchi's first aspiration to be a Go player, but it is clear that her love for the game has spanned decades. As she hangs up her stones for the last time, the world of Go will miss one of its greatest champions.
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