Overview
- JSA said on Nov. 4 it accepted Fukuma’s application for the pro entry exam, with one test match scheduled each month from January 2026.
- Her opponents, in order, are Yamashita, Katayama, Ikegaki, Iwamura and Sumizaki, all recently promoted 4-dan players aged 17 to 22.
- Passing the exam would make her a free-class 4-dan, with eligibility to rise into the Junisen C2 division by meeting performance criteria.
- Fukuma previously failed the 2022 exam after three straight losses and requalified this year by posting a 10–5 record, including an Oct. 6 win over Masahiko Urano 8-dan.
- Speaking Nov. 5 after a title-match victory, she called the exam a very tough challenge and said she will do what she can, noting she decided to proceed in consultation with her family.