Akihito Hirose

Akihito Hirose (広瀬 章人, Hirose Akihito, born January 18, 1987) is a Japanese professional shogi player, ranked 8-dan. He is a former Ryūō and Ōi title holder, and is also the first shogi professional to win a major title while attending university.

Akihito Hirose
Native name	広瀬章人
Born	(1987-01-18) January 18, 1987 (age 36)
Hometown	Sapporo
Career
Achieved professional status	April 1, 2005(2005-04-01) (aged 18)
Badge Number	255
Rank	8-dan
Teacher	Osamu Katsuura [ja] (9-dan)
Major titles won	2
Tournaments won	1
Meijin class	A
Ryūō class	2
Websites
JSA profile page
Official website

Early life and education

Hirose was born in Kōtō, Tokyo on January 18, 1987.^[1][2][3] He first started playing shogi around the age of four because his father and older brother played the game. His family moved to Sapporo, Hokkaido due to his father's job and he lived there from elementary school grades three through six.^[4]

While living in Sapporo, Hirose began studying under some members of the Hokkaido Shogi Association and polishing his skills at local shogi clubs before officially entering the Japan Shogi Association's apprentice school at the rank of 6-kyū as protegee of shogi professional Osamu Katsuura [ja] in 1998 while he was a sixth-grade elementary student. For roughly his first year as a shogi apprentice, Hirose commuted by plane twice monthly from Sapporo to the Japan Shogi Association's headquarters in Tokyo to play games against other apprentices.^[3]

Hirose was promoted to the rank of 1-dan in 2000, and was officially awarded professional status in April 2005 for winning the 36th 3-dan League with a record of 15 wins and 3 losses.^[4][5]

Hirose graduated from Tokyo Seitoku University High School in March 2005 and decided to continue his education by enrolling in the School of Education of Waseda University and majoring in mathematics.^[3][6] This was quite rare for a professional shogi player to do, but Hirose stated "he wanted to experience many things in addition to shogi"^[6] and also wanted to be like his friends who were all moving on to university.^[3] Hirose graduated from Waseda in 2011.^[2]

Shogi professional

In 2009, Hirose defeated Taichi Nakamura two games to none to win the 40th Shinjin-Ō [ja] for his first non-title tournament victory as a professional.^[7] The match was billed as the "Battle of Waseda University Students" because both Hirose and Nakamura were attending Waseda University at the time.^[8]

Hirose's first major title appearance came in 2010 when defeated Yoshiharu Habu to earn the right to challenge Kōichi Fukaura for the 51st Ōi title.^[9] Hirose went on to defeat Fukaura 4 games to 2 to not only win a major title in his first attempt, but to also become the first shogi professional to win a major title while attending university.^[10][11] He was, however, unable to defend his title the following year against challenger Habu, losing the 52nd Ōi match 4 games to 3.^[12] Hirose was leading the match 3 games to 2 after winning Game 5, but was unable to get the fourth win needed to retain his title.^[13]

In 2015, Hirose defeated Tatsuya Sugai in the playoff to determine who would challenge Habu for the 56th Ōi title,^[14] but ended up losing to Habu 4 games to 1.^[15]

In September 2018, Hirose defeated Fukaura 2 games to 1 to win the 31st Ryūō Challenger Match and advance to the title match against defending champion Habu.^[16] In the title match against Habu, Hirose lost Games 1, 2 and 5 to trail the match 3 games to 2 before coming back to win the last two games and take the title from Habu.^[17][18]

After twice defeating reigning Meijin Amahiko Satō, Hirose challenged Akira Watanabe in the 44th Kiō title match from February – March 2019.^[19] However, Hirose ended up losing to Watanabe 3 games to 1.^[20]

Hirose advanced to the finals of JT Nihon Series [ja] tournament for the first time in November 2019, but was defeated by defending tournament champion Watanabe in the 40th JT Cup championship on November 17, 2019.^[21][22] A few days later, however, Hirose earned the right to challenge Watanabe for the 69th Ōshō title when he defeated Sōta Fujii in the final game of the Ōshō tournament challenger league to finish league play with 5 wins and 1 loss.^[23] In January – March 2020 69th Ōshō title match, Hirose was leading the match 3 games to 2 before Watanabe came back to win the last two games and defend his title.^[24]

In the 32nd Ryūō title match (October–December 2019), Hirose defended his title against challenger Masayuki Toyoshima, the reigning Meijin title holder. Hirose lost the first three games of the match and was never able to recover, losing the match 4 games to 1.^[25]

Hirose challenged Sōta Fujii in the 35th Ryūō title match (October–December 2022). Although Hirose won Game 1, he ended up losing the match 4 games to 2.^[26]

Promotion history

Hirose's promotion history is as follows:^[27]

• 6-kyū: 1998
• 1-dan: 2000
• 4-dan: April 1, 2005
• 5-dan: April 1, 2007
• 6-dan: June 11, 2010
• 7-dan: September 2, 2010
• 8-dan: February 13, 2014

Titles and other championships

Hirose has appeared in a major title match eight times, and has won two titles.^[28] In addition to major titles, Hirose has won one other shogi championship.^[29]

Awards and honors

Hirose received the JSA's Annual Shogi Awards for "Fighting-spirit" in 2010 and 2018, "Game of the Year" in 2010 and “Special Game of the Year” in 2019.^[30][31][32]

Year-end prize money and game fee ranking

Hirose has finished in the "Top 10" of the JSA's year-end prize money/game fee rankings [ja] seven times since turning professional: tenth in 2010 with JPY 21,360,000 in earnings;^[33] eighth in 2011 with JPY 20,005,000 in earnings;^[34] tenth in 2015 with JPY 20,420,000 in earnings;^[35] fifth in 2018 with JPY 28,020,000 in earnings;^[36] second in 2019 with JPY 69,840,000 in earnings;^[37] fifth with JPY 32,410,000 in earnings in 2020;^[38] and sixth with JPY 21,660,000 in earnings in 2022.^[39][40]

References

1. "Kishi Dētabēsu: Hirose Akihito" 棋士データベース: 広瀬章人 [Professional Shogi Player Database: Akihito Hirose] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
2. [Waseda's shogi professionals: Tackling the future and progressing rapidly]. Seihoku no Kaze (in Japanese). Vol. 12. Waseda University. September 2012. Archived from the original on November 18, 2017. Retrieved November 18, 2017 – via Yomiuri Online.
3. [Akihito Hirose new Ōi (23) overcomes pressure to win major title in first attempt]. Sankei Shimbun (in Japanese). October 3, 2010. Archived from the original on October 5, 2010. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
4. Geneki Purō Kishi DētaBukku 2016 [Ge] Ta-Wa Gyō 現役プロ棋士データブック2016 [下] た-わ行 [2016 Active Shogi Professional Databook [Last volume] Letter "Ta" to letter "Wa"] (in Japanese). MyNabi Publishing/Japan Shogi Association. 2015. p. 33. ASIN B019SSNKVA. Retrieved November 17, 2017 – via Google Books.
5. "Dai Sanjūrokkai Shōreikai Sandan Riigusen Nisenyonnen Jūgatsu kara Nisengonen Sangatsu" 第36回奨励会三段リーグ戦 2004年10月～2005年3月 [36th apprentice school 3-dan league: October 2004 to March 2005] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. 2004. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
6. "Puro Kishi Hirose Akihito-san" プロ将棋棋士 廣瀬 章人さん [Professional shogi player Akihito Hirose] (in Japanese). Students Affairs Division, Waseda University. November 29, 2007. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
7. "Shōgi Shinjin Ō ni Hirose Godan" 将棋新人王に広瀬五段 [Hirose 5d wins shogi's Shinjin-Ō]. Shimbun Akahata (in Japanese). Japanese Communist Party. October 14, 2009. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
8. "Geneki Daigakusei no Kaikyo! Kyōikubu no Hirose Akihito-san ga Shōgi Nana Dai Taitoru no ｢Ōi｣ wo Kakutoku" 現役大学生初の快挙! 教育学部の広瀬章人さんが将棋7大タイトルの｢王位｣を獲得 [Spectacular result by current Waseda student! School of Education student Akihito Hirose wins the Ōi, one of shogi's seven major titles.] (in Japanese). Waseda University. September 3, 2010. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
9. "Dai Gojūikki Ōisen: Chōsensha Kettei Rīgu" 第51期王位戦: 挑戦者決定リーグ [51st Ōi Tournament: Challenger League] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. 2010. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
10. "Shōgi, Hirose ga Hatsu Taitoru Kakutoku / Fukaura Ōi wo Yonshō Nihai de Yaburu" 将棋, 広瀬が初タイトル獲得/深浦王位を4勝2敗で破る [Shogi, Hirose wins first major title. Defeats Fukaura Ōi 4 games to 2]. Shikoku Shimbun (in Japanese). September 2, 2010. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
11. Shōgi Taitorusen Sanjūnenshi 1998-2013 将棋タイトル戦30年史 1998～2013年編 [30 Year History of Shogi Major Title Matches: Years 1998-2013] (in Japanese). MyNabi Publishing/Japan Shogi Association. 2014. p. 406. ISBN 978-4-8399-5097-2. Retrieved November 17, 2017 – via Google Books.
12. "Habu Nikan ga Ōi Dasshu Taitoru Saita Tai Tsūsan Hachijūki" 羽生二冠が王位奪取 タイトル最多タイ通算80期 [Habu 2-crown captures Ōi title. Wins 80th major title overall to tie the record for most major titles won]. Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). September 13, 2011. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
13. "Dai Gojūniki Ōisen Nanaban Shōbu Dai Gokyoku ... Hirose Ōi no Kachi (Sanshō Nihai)" 第52期王位戦七番勝負第5局…広瀬王位の勝ち(3勝2敗) [52nd Ōi Match ... Hirose Ōi wins Game 5 to lead 3 games to two.] (in Japanese). Igo & Shogi Channel. August 25, 2011. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
14. "Dai Gojūrokki Ōisen: Chōsensha Kettei Rīgu" 第56期王位戦: 挑戦者決定リーグ [56th Ōi Tournament: Challenger League] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. 2015. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
15. "Dai Gojūrokki Ōisen Nanaban Shōbu ... Habu Ōi no Bōei" 第56期王位戦七番勝負…羽生王位の防衛 [52nd Ōi Match ... Habu Ōi defends title.] (in Japanese). Igo & Shogi Channel. August 28, 2015. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
16. [Hirose 8d to challenge Habu Ryūō for title]. Yomiuri Shimbun (in Japanese). September 7, 2018. Archived from the original on October 9, 2018. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
17. [Hirose is the new Ryūō titleholder; Habu unable to defend title and holds no major titles for the first time in 27 years]. Yomiuri Shimbun (in Japanese). December 21, 2018. Archived from the original on December 21, 2018. Retrieved December 21, 2018.
18. "Shogi star Habu loses Ryuo title, holds no major crown for 1st time in 27 years". Mainichi Shimbun. December 21, 2018. Retrieved December 22, 2018.
19. "Dai Yonjūryonki Kiōsen: Chōsensha Kettei Tōnamento" 第44期棋王戦: 挑戦者決定トーナメント [44th Kiō Tournament: Challenger Tournament] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
20. "Dai Yonjūryonki Kiōsen" 第44期棋王戦 [44th Kiō Tournament] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
21. "Watanabe JT Hai Hasha ga Nirenpa Shōgi no JT Hai" 渡辺JT杯覇者が2連覇 将棋のJT杯 [Watanabe wins JT Cup for second year in a row]. Sankei Shimbun (in Japanese). November 17, 2019. Retrieved November 18, 2019.
22. "Watanabe Sankan ga V Ni JT Nihon Shirīzu" 渡辺3冠がV2 JT杯日本シリーズ [Watanabe 3-crown repeats as JT Nihon Series champion]. Sports Nippon (in Japanese). November 18, 2019. Retrieved November 18, 2019.
23. "Hirose Ryūō Fujii Shichidan Kudashi Hatsu no Ōshō Chōsenken Kakutoku Ōshōsen Chōsensha Kettei Rīgu" 広瀬竜王 藤井七段下し初の王将挑戦権獲得 王将戦挑戦者決定リーグ [Hirose Ryūō defeats Fujii 7-dan in the Tournament's Challenger League to earn first opportunity to challenge for the Osho title.]. Sports Nippon (in Japanese). November 19, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
24. Yamamura, Hideki (March 26, 2020). "Sokojikara, Nebari, Kōka na Seme Ōshō Bōei no Watanabe Shigatsu kara Zensho de Chōsen Kimeta Meijinsen e Hazumi ni" 底力, 粘り, 果敢な攻め 王将防衛の渡辺 4月から全勝で挑戦決めた名人戦へ弾みに [Digging deep and showing resourceful, effective attacking, Watanabe defends his Ōshō to pick up some momentum as he challenges for the Meijin title starting this April]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved March 26, 2020.
25. "Toyoshima Meijin ga Hatsu no Ryūō Shōgi, Nikan ni Fukki" 豊島名人が初の竜王位 将棋, 2冠に復帰 [Toyoshima Meijin captures Ryūō title for first time and returns to 2-crown status]. Sankei Shimbun (in Japanese). December 7, 2019. Retrieved December 7, 2019.
26. "Sota Fujii successfully defends Ryuo title". Yomiuri Shimbun. December 3, 2022. Retrieved December 5, 2022.
27. "Kishi Dētabēsu: Hirose Akihito Shōdan Rireki" 棋士データベース: 広瀬章人 昇段履歴 [Professional Shogi Player Database: Akihito Hirose Promotion History] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
28. "Kishi Dētabēsu: Hirose Akihito Taitoru Rireki" 棋士データベース: 広瀬章人 タイトル履歴 [Professional Shogi Player Database: Akihito Hirose Major Title History] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
29. "Kishi Dētabēsu: Hirose Akihito Yūshō Rireki" 棋士データベース: 広瀬章人 優勝履歴 [Professional Shogi Player Database: Akihito Hirose Championship History] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
30. "Kishi Dētabēsu: Hirose Akihito Shōgi Taishō" 棋士データベース: 広瀬章人 将棋大賞 [Professional Shogi Player Database: Akihito Hirose Annual Shogi Awards] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
31. "Saiyūshūkishishō wa Toyoshima Nikan Fujii Shichidan wa ｢Myōshu｣ de Jushōlhanguage=ja" 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. April 1, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
32. "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.
33. "2010nen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto 20" 2010年獲得賞金・対局料ベスト20 [2010 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 20] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. February 16, 2011. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
34. "2011nen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto 20" 2012年獲得賞金・対局料ベスト20 [2011 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 20] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. February 16, 2012. Retrieved November 1, 2017.
35. "2015nen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto 10" 2015年獲得賞金・対局料ベスト10 [2015 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 10] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. February 5, 2016. Retrieved November 18, 2017.
36. "Habu Yoshiharu Kudan ga Ninenburi Ichii 2018nen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto 10" 羽生善治九段が2年ぶり1位 2018年獲得賞金・対局料ベスト10 [2018 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 10: Yoshiharu Habu 9d reclaims top position after two years] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. February 7, 2019. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
37. "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.
38. 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.
39. "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.
40. "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.

External links

• Official website (in Japanese)
• ShogiHub: Professional Player Info · Hirose, Akihito