将棋 (shogi) - Shogi

 

1. Today's Japanese words

 将棋 (shogi) - Shogi

盤 (ban) - board

駒 (koma) - piece

手 (te) - move

王 (ō) - king

玉 (gyoku) - another word for king

勝ち (kachi) - win

負け (make) - lose

引き分け (hikiwake) - draw (very rare in Shogi)

Piece Names:

飛車 (hisha) - rook

角行 (kakugyō) - bishop

金 (kin) - gold general (strongest piece)

銀 (gin) - silver general

歩 (fu) - pawn

香車 (kyōsha) - lance

桂馬 (keima) - knight

Piece Actions:

打つ (utsu) - play (a move)

取る (toru) - capture

捨てる (suteru) - sacrifice

詰む (tsumu) - checkmate

王手 (ōte) - check

Game Phases:

初期配置 (shoki haichi) - initial position

中盤 (chūban) - middlegame

終盤 (shūban) - endgame

Other:

詰将棋 (tsumeshogi) - checkmate puzzle

定跡 (jōseki) - opening theory

戦法 (senpō) - strategy

順位戦 (junisen) - professional ranking tournament

2. Today's topic

Shogi（将棋）, also known as Japanese chess, is a two-player strategy board game that is considered one of the most popular board games in Japan. It is part of the same family of games as Western chess, chaturanga, xiangqi, and janggi. The word "Shogi" literally means "the game of the generals," reflecting the military theme of the pieces.

Shogi board game

Shogi is played on a 9x9 board with 20 pieces each for two players. The pieces are divided into two groups: the home pieces and the captured pieces. Each piece has a unique movement pattern, and the goal of the game is to checkmate the opponent's king.

One of the key differences between Shogi and Western chess is that captured pieces can be re-entered onto the board by the capturing player, adding an extra layer of complexity and strategy to the game. This unique feature also makes draws very rare in Shogi.

Shogi is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels in Japan. There are professional Shogi players, amateur tournaments, and even Shogi clubs in schools and community centers. The game is considered to be a valuable educational tool, as it helps to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.

If you are interested in learning more about Shogi, there are many resources available online and in libraries. There are also Shogi clubs and organizations in many countries around the world.

3- Today’s news

Lantern festival in Nagasaki returning fully after 4 years

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15155707

Shogi star Fujii renews record for title match winning streak

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/02/09/japan/shogi-sota-fujii-new-record/