Person

Tomoka Nishiyama

1. Women's shogi quadruple titleholder Tomoka Nishiyama to turn professional, set to become Japan's first female pro player

   Tomoka Nishiyama, who holds four women's shogi titles, announced at a news conference that she will exercise the qualification she has earned to become a professional shogi player. Once the procedures are completed, she will be the first woman to become a professional player in Japanese shogi. Women's title matches and the professional ranks have long been separate tracks, but recent rule changes allow women who meet the criteria to apply to join professional play.

   Oct 26, 2026 Afternoon