Japan Bids Farewell to Beloved Shogi Legend Hifumin, Kato Hifumi 9-dan

Kato Hifumi 9-dan, a former professional shogi player affectionately known as "Hifumin," recently passed away at the age of 86. Following the news of his passing, numerous fans and associates have been posting messages of tribute on social media.

Known as a "genius since the age of Jinmu" for becoming a professional at the record-breaking young age of 14 years and 7 months, Kato 9-dan was a prominent figure in the shogi world. He was beloved not only by the shogi community but also by a wide range of people for his unique playing style and distinctive personality.

He was particularly known for his devout Christian faith. Numerous anecdotes, such as humming hymns during matches, stepping outside to pray during breaks, and always carrying holy water in his bag, left a strong impression not only on shogi fans but on many people. Furthermore, his deep faith in God was strongly reflected in his writings about shogi, making his unique presence truly one-of-a-kind.

On social media, alongside expressions of sorrow like "Hifumin has passed away 😢" and "Hifumin... 😭 May he rest in peace," there are comments recalling how his personality and passion for shogi influenced many. Examples include "It's a fond memory that I started playing shogi because I admired Hifumin-san" and "Even though I don't play shogi much, he was a player I liked enough to tune into NHK only when Hifumin-san was providing commentary."

Some posts indicate that Kato 9-dan passed away due to pneumonia, leading to comments urging caution regarding the illness, such as "I underestimated pneumonia, I'll take it easy."

His humorous and charming character continued to shine even after his retirement, leading to a "Hifumin boom" through his appearances on television programs and more. Kato Hifumi 9-dan, who left significant achievements in the shogi world and brought smiles and inspiration to many, we sincerely pray for his peaceful journey.

The context

Kato Hifumi 9-dan, affectionately known as 'Hifumin,' was a revered figure in Japan, famous for his long and distinguished career as a professional shogi player and his charming, eccentric personality that endeared him to the public. Shogi is a traditional Japanese board game often compared to chess, but with distinct rules, such as the ability to 'drop' captured pieces back onto the board, making it a game of immense strategic depth. Kato 9-dan was nicknamed 'Genius since the age of Jinmu,' referring to Emperor Jinmu, the mythical first Emperor of Japan, highlighting his extraordinary talent from a very young age. He became the youngest professional shogi player in history at 14 years and 7 months. Beyond his impressive achievements in shogi, Hifumin's unique character – his devout Christian faith, his humming of hymns during matches, and his post-retirement television appearances – transcended the shogi world, making him a beloved national icon. The 'Hifumin boom' refers to the period of his widespread popularity in mainstream media, where his endearing quirks brought joy to millions. His passing marks the end of an era for both the shogi community and the Japanese public who adored him.