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Kana Fukuma Cleared for Second Bid to Become First Female Shogi Professional

The Japan Shogi Association accepted her application for a five-game monthly exam beginning in January 2026.

Overview

  • Fukuma, a 33-year-old holder of six women's titles, will face five 4-dan professionals and must win at least three games to pass.
  • The exam will be played once per month from January to May 2026 under the association's announced schedule.
  • Her opponents, in order, are Kazuki Yamashita, Fumiya Katayama, Hiroto Igegaki, Rintaro Iwamura, and Toshiki Sumizaki.
  • A passing result would grant Free Class 4-dan status with eligibility to advance into the ranking leagues, including potential promotion to C2 by meeting performance criteria.
  • She earned eligibility with a recent 10–5 official record, secured by an Oct. 6 victory over Mahiko Urano, and this follows an unsuccessful first attempt in 2022.