Shogi World Mourns the Passing of 'Legend' Hifumi Kato, Beloved 'Hifumin'

The Shogi world is in mourning following the passing of its revered 'legend,' Hifumi Kato 9-dan, on January 22, 2026. The news has plunged the community into deep sadness, with numerous prominent figures and fans expressing their heartfelt condolences.

Notably, Yoshiharu Habu 9-dan, who has long been a leading figure in the Shogi world, posted on his X account: "I offer my deepest condolences upon learning of the passing of Mr. Hifumi Kato. I thank God for the opportunity to have known him. I sincerely pray for his peaceful repose." The use of 'gokiten' (御帰天), a term signifying a return to heaven, specifically chosen to honor Kato 9-dan's Christian faith, prompted reflections on his warm personality and spiritual devotion.

Hailed as the 'genius since Emperor Jinmu,' Kato 9-dan captivated countless fans not only with his formidable skill but also with the distinctly loud and elegant sound of his pieces during matches, his 'god-like' performance in one-minute Shogi, and his often humorous demeanor. Even after his retirement, he became a beloved media personality, affectionately known as 'Hifumin,' appearing on shows like 'Out x Deluxe' and charming audiences far beyond the Shogi community with his unique character.

Throughout his life, Kato 9-dan was a tireless advocate for Shogi promotion, serving as the executive chairman of the 2020 Kido-sen tournament. He cultivated a love for the game in many through his 'next move' puzzle books and was a warm mentor to aspiring young players, notably facing Sota Fujii 9-dan in his professional debut. A renowned cat lover, an endearing anecdote tells of him engaging in a lively conversation about felines with Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress at an Imperial Garden Party.

Fans poured out their tributes, with comments such as 'He was an amazing and funny person,' 'I feel a great loss,' 'He was charming and endearing,' and 'He illuminated the Shogi world with his immense presence,' underscoring the enduring legacy of Kato 9-dan, beloved across all generations. His passing has brought profound sadness not only to long-time devotees but also to younger fans.

Hifumi Kato 9-dan dedicated his entire life to Shogi, inspiring and bringing joy to countless individuals through his captivating skill and profound humanity. His contributions will be deeply etched not only in the annals of Shogi but also in the broader cultural history of Japan. We humbly pray for his soul to rest in peace.

The context

Shogi, often referred to as Japanese chess, is a highly strategic board game with deep cultural significance in Japan. Hifumi Kato (加藤一二三), widely known by his affectionate nickname 'Hifumin,' was a revered professional Shogi player who achieved the highest rank of 9-dan (九段). He was celebrated not only for his exceptional skill and long career, which earned him the title 'legend,' but also for his distinctive personality, often described as eccentric, charming, and humorous.

Kato 9-dan was famously dubbed the 'genius since Emperor Jinmu,' a profound compliment comparing him to Japan's mythical first emperor, highlighting his extraordinary talent from a young age. He was particularly renowned for his prowess in 'one-minute Shogi,' where players must make their moves under extremely tight time constraints, earning him a 'god-like' reputation for his speed and accuracy under pressure.

After his retirement from professional play, Kato 9-dan transitioned into a beloved celebrity, gaining widespread popularity through television appearances, especially on variety shows like 'Out x Deluxe,' which introduced his unique character to a broader audience beyond the Shogi world. His Christian faith was a significant aspect of his life, reflected in the respectful term 'gokiten' (御帰天), meaning 'return to heaven,' used by fellow players like Yoshiharu Habu 9-dan in their condolences.

His commitment to Shogi extended to its promotion and the nurturing of young talent. He notably played against the current Shogi sensation, Sota Fujii 9-dan, in his professional debut match, marking a symbolic passing of the torch. The article also references his love for cats, a charming detail that further endeared him to the public and even led to a memorable interaction with the Emperor and Empress at an Imperial Garden Party.