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Fujii defends Meijin title

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (L) reviews his match against Masayuki Toyoshima after defending the most prestigious Meijin title by beating him in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series in Monbetsu in Hokkaido, northern Japan. With his first defense of Meijin, Fujii, who holds all eight shogi titles, has won or defended all 22 title matches he has fought.

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Fujii defends Meijin title

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (L) reviews his match against Masayuki Toyoshima after defending the most prestigious Meijin title by beating him in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series in Monbetsu in Hokkaido, northern Japan. With his first defense of Meijin, Fujii, who holds all eight shogi titles, has won or defended all 22 title matches he has fought.

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Fujii wins Game 2 of shogi Meijin series

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (L) reviews his match against defending champion Akira Watanabe after winning Game 2 of a best-of-seven series for the Meijin title at a traditional Japanese restaurant in Shizuoka, central Japan, on April 28, 2023. If Fujii, 20, who won Game 1, claims the series, he will have seven major shogi titles and become the youngest holder of the prestigious Meijin title, which dates back to the early 1600s.

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Fujii wins Game 2 of shogi Meijin series

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (L) reviews his match against defending champion Akira Watanabe after winning Game 2 of a best-of-seven series for the Meijin title at a traditional Japanese restaurant in Shizuoka, central Japan, on April 28, 2023. If Fujii, 20, who won Game 1, claims the series, he will have seven major shogi titles and become the youngest holder of the prestigious Meijin title, which dates back to the early 1600s.

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Fujii wins Game 2 of shogi Meijin series

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii reviews his match against defending champion Akira Watanabe after winning Game 2 of a best-of-seven series for the Meijin title at a traditional Japanese restaurant in Shizuoka, central Japan, on April 28, 2023. If Fujii, 20, who won Game 1, claims the series, he will have seven major shogi titles and become the youngest holder of the prestigious Meijin title, which dates back to the early 1600s.

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Battledores of 2023 newsmakers

TOKYO, Japan Kyodo - Doll maker Kyugetsu Co.'s traditional Japanese "hagoita" battledores are shown to the press in Tokyo on Dec. 5, 2023, with decorations of images of newsmakers of the year of 2023. Those featured include two-way baseball star Shohei Ohtani, who became the first Japanese to win an MLB home run title, and shogi prodigy Sota Fujii, who became the first player ever to hold the board game's eight titles. (Kyodo)

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Shogi prodigy Fujii at ceremony

Eight-title-holding shogi player Sota Fujii speaks at a ceremony celebrating his recent defense of the game's most prestigious Ryuo title in Daisen in Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 5, 2023.

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Shogi prodigy Fujii at ceremony

Eight-title-holding shogi player Sota Fujii receives a bouquet of flowers at a ceremony celebrating his recent defense of the game's most prestigious Ryuo title in Daisen in Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Dec. 5, 2023.

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Battledores of 2023 newsmakers

Doll maker Kyugetsu Co.'s traditional Japanese "hagoita" battledores are shown to the press in Tokyo on Dec. 5, 2023, with decorations of images of newsmakers of the year of 2023. Those featured include two-way baseball star Shohei Ohtani (far R, front), who became the first Japanese to win an MLB home run title, and shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (3rd from R, front), who became the first player ever to hold the board game's eight titles.

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Battledores of 2023 newsmakers

Doll maker Kyugetsu Co.'s traditional Japanese "hagoita" battledores are shown to the press in Tokyo on Dec. 5, 2023, with decorations of images of newsmakers of the year of 2023. Those featured include two-way baseball star Shohei Ohtani (far R, front), who became the first Japanese to win an MLB home run title, and shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (2nd from L, front), who became the first player ever to hold the board game's eight titles.

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Battledores of 2023 newsmakers

Doll maker Kyugetsu Co.'s traditional Japanese "hagoita" battledores are shown to the press in Tokyo on Dec. 5, 2023, with decorations of images of newsmakers of the year of 2023. Those featured include two-way baseball star Shohei Ohtani (L, front), who became the first Japanese to win an MLB home run title, and shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (R, front), who became the first player ever to hold the board game's eight titles.

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Shogi prodigy Fujii wins JT Cup

Shogi eight titles holder Sota Fujii speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Nov. 19, 2023, after winning the Japan Tobacco Cup -- an annual tournament fought between 12 select pro players -- for the second consecutive year.

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Shogi prodigy Fujii wins JT Cup

Shogi eight titles holder Sota Fujii poses at a press conference in Tokyo on Nov. 19, 2023, after winning the Japan Tobacco Cup -- an annual tournament fought between 12 select pro players -- for the second consecutive year.

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Shogi player Fujii receives PM Award

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (L) meets the press at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Nov. 13, 2023, after attending a ceremony to receive the Prime Minister's Award for his achievement in becoming the first player ever to hold all eight shogi titles.

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Shogi player Fujii receives PM Award

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii meets the press at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Nov. 13, 2023, after attending a ceremony to receive the Prime Minister's Award for his achievement in becoming the first player ever to hold all eight shogi titles.

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Shogi player Fujii receives PM Award

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (L) receives a certificate for the Prime Minister's Award from Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the premier's official residence in Tokyo on Nov. 13, 2023, for his achievement in becoming the first player ever to hold all eight shogi titles. (Pool photo)

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Japan shogi player Fujii receives PM Award

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (L) receives a certificate for the Prime Minister's Award from Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the premier's official residence in Tokyo on Nov. 13, 2023. (Pool photo)

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Japan shogi player Fujii receives PM Award

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (L) receives a plaque for the Prime Minister's Award from Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the premier's official residence in Tokyo on Nov. 13, 2023. (Pool photo)

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Fujii joins Habu as only players in shogi history with 7 titles

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (L) reviews Game 5 of the best-of-seven Meijin series against Akira Watanabe after clinching the prestigious title at a traditional Japanese inn in Takayama, Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, on June 1, 2023. The 20-year-old Fujii became the second player in the board game's history to hold seven titles simultaneously after Yoshiharu Habu in 1996 and also became the youngest Meijin title holder, breaking the previous record of 21 years and two months, set by Koji Tanigawa in 1983.

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Fujii joins Habu as only players in shogi history with 7 titles

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii reviews Game 5 of the best-of-seven Meijin series against Akira Watanabe after clinching the prestigious title at a traditional Japanese inn in Takayama, Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, on June 1, 2023. The 20-year-old Fujii became the second player in the board game's history to hold seven titles simultaneously after Yoshiharu Habu in 1996 and also became the youngest Meijin title holder, breaking the previous record of 21 years and two months, set by Koji Tanigawa in 1983.

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Fujii joins Habu as only players in shogi history with 7 titles

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (L) reviews Game 5 of the best-of-seven Meijin series against Akira Watanabe after clinching the prestigious title at a traditional Japanese inn in Takayama, Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, on June 1, 2023. The 20-year-old Fujii became the second player in the board game's history to hold seven titles simultaneously after Yoshiharu Habu in 1996 and also became the youngest Meijin title holder, breaking the previous record of 21 years and two months, set by Koji Tanigawa in 1983.

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Fujii joins Habu as only players in shogi history with 7 titles

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (R) reviews Game 5 of the best-of-seven Meijin series against Akira Watanabe after clinching the prestigious title at a traditional Japanese inn in Takayama, Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, on June 1, 2023. The 20-year-old Fujii became the second player in the board game's history to hold seven titles simultaneously after Yoshiharu Habu in 1996 and also became the youngest Meijin title holder, breaking the previous record of 21 years and two months, set by Koji Tanigawa in 1983.

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Fujii joins Habu as only players in shogi history with 7 titles

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (R) reviews Game 5 of the best-of-seven Meijin series against Akira Watanabe after clinching the prestigious title at a traditional Japanese inn in Takayama, Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, on June 1, 2023. The 20-year-old Fujii became the second player in the board game's history to hold seven titles simultaneously after Yoshiharu Habu in 1996 and also became the youngest Meijin title holder, breaking the previous record of 21 years and two months, set by Koji Tanigawa in 1983.

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Fujii wins Game 4 of shogi Meijin series

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii reviews his match against defending champion Akira Watanabe after winning Game 4 of a best-of-seven series for the Meijin title at a traditional Japanese house in Iizuka in Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 22, 2023. Fujii, 20, holder of six shogi titles, is one win short of claiming the series, which would make him the youngest holder of the prestigious Meijin title dating back to the early 1600s.

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Fujii wins Game 4 of shogi Meijin series

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (L) reviews his match against defending champion Akira Watanabe after winning Game 4 of a best-of-seven series for the Meijin title at a traditional Japanese house in Iizuka in Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 22, 2023. Fujii, 20, holder of six shogi titles, is one win short of claiming the series, which would make him the youngest holder of the prestigious Meijin title dating back to the early 1600s.

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Fujii wins Game 4 of shogi Meijin series

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii reviews his match against defending champion Akira Watanabe after winning Game 4 of a best-of-seven series for the Meijin title at a traditional Japanese house in Iizuka in Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 22, 2023. Fujii, 20, holder of six shogi titles, is one win short of claiming the series, which would make him the youngest holder of the prestigious Meijin title dating back to the early 1600s.

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Fujii wins Game 2 of shogi Meijin series

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (L) reviews his match against defending champion Akira Watanabe after winning Game 2 of a best-of-seven series for the Meijin title at a traditional Japanese restaurant in Shizuoka, central Japan, on April 28, 2023. If Fujii, 20, who won Game 1, claims the series, he will have seven major shogi titles and become the youngest holder of the prestigious Meijin title, which dates back to the early 1600s.

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Fujii wins Game 2 of shogi Meijin series

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii reviews his match against defending champion Akira Watanabe after winning Game 2 of a best-of-seven series for the Meijin title at a traditional Japanese restaurant in Shizuoka, central Japan, on April 28, 2023. If Fujii, 20, who won Game 1, claims the series, he will have seven major shogi titles and become the youngest holder of the prestigious Meijin title, which dates back to the early 1600s.

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Fujii wins Game 2 of shogi Meijin series

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (L) reviews his match against defending champion Akira Watanabe after winning Game 2 of a best-of-seven series for the Meijin title at a traditional Japanese restaurant in Shizuoka, central Japan, on April 28, 2023. If Fujii, 20, who won Game 1, claims the series, he will have seven major shogi titles and become the youngest holder of the prestigious Meijin title, which dates back to the early 1600s.

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Fujii wins Game 1 of shogi Meijin series

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (R) reviews his match against defending champion Akira Watanabe after winning Game 1 of a best-of-seven series for the Meijin title at a hotel in Tokyo on April 6, 2023. If Fujii, 20, wins the series, he will have seven major shogi titles and become the youngest holder of the prestigious Meijin title, which dates back to the early 1600s.

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Fujii wins Game 1 of shogi Meijin series

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii reviews his match against defending champion Akira Watanabe after winning Game 1 of a best-of-seven series for the Meijin title at a hotel in Tokyo on April 6, 2023. If Fujii, 20, wins the series, he will have seven major shogi titles and become the youngest holder of the prestigious Meijin title, which dates back to the early 1600s.

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Fujii wins Game 1 of shogi Meijin series

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (L) reviews his match against defending champion Akira Watanabe after winning Game 1 of a best-of-seven series for the Meijin title at a hotel in Tokyo on April 6, 2023. If Fujii, 20, wins the series, he will have seven major shogi titles and become the youngest holder of the prestigious Meijin title, which dates back to the early 1600s.

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Shogi Meijin series begins

Defending champion Akira Watanabe faces off against shogi prodigy Sota Fujii in Game 1 of a best-of-seven series for the Meijin title at a hotel in Tokyo on April 5, 2023. If Fujii, 20, wins the series, he will have seven major shogi titles, becoming the youngest holder of the prestigious Meijin title that dates back to the early 1600s.(Pool photo)

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Shogi Meijin series begins

Defending champion Akira Watanabe faces off against shogi prodigy Sota Fujii in Game 1 of a best-of-seven series for the Meijin title at a hotel in Tokyo on April 5, 2023. If Fujii, 20, wins the series, he will have seven major shogi titles, becoming the youngest holder of the prestigious Meijin title that dates back to the early 1600s. (Pool photo)

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Fujii wins 6th shogi title

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii poses at a hotel in the Tochigi Prefecture city of Nikko, eastern Japan, on March 19, 2023, after clinching the Kio title by beating Akira Watanabe 3-1 in a best-of-five series. Fujii became only the second player in the history of the shogi board game to hold six major titles after Yoshiharu Habu.

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Fujii wins 6th shogi title

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii reviews his match against Akira Watanabe after beating the defending champion 3-1 in a best-of-five series for the Kio title at a hotel in the Tochigi Prefecture city of Nikko, eastern Japan, on March 19, 2023. Clinching the Kio, Fujii, 20, now holds six out of shogi's eight major titles, making him the second player in shogi history to do so after Yoshiharu Habu.

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Fujii gets 6th shogi title

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (R) reviews his match against Akira Watanabe after beating the defending champion 3-1 in a best-of-five series for the Kio title at a hotel in the Tochigi Prefecture city of Nikko, eastern Japan, on March 19, 2023. Clinching the Kio, Fujii, 20, now holds six out of shogi's eight major titles, making him the second player in shogi history to do so after Yoshiharu Habu.

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Fujii gets 6th shogi title

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (L) reviews his match against Akira Watanabe after beating the defending champion 3-1 in a best-of-five series for the Kio title at a hotel in the Tochigi Prefecture city of Nikko, eastern Japan, on March 19, 2023. Clinching the Kio, Fujii, 20, now holds six out of shogi's eight major titles, making him the second player in shogi history to do so after Yoshiharu Habu.

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Fujii gets 6th shogi title

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii reviews his match against Akira Watanabe after beating the defending champion 3-1 in a best-of-five series for the Kio title at a hotel in the Tochigi Prefecture city of Nikko, eastern Japan, on March 19, 2023. Clinching the Kio, Fujii, 20, now holds six out of shogi's eight major titles, making him the second player in shogi history to do so after Yoshiharu Habu.

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Fujii gets 6th shogi title

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii (L) reviews his match against Akira Watanabe after beating the defending champion 3-1 in a best-of-five series for the Kio title at a hotel in the Tochigi Prefecture city of Nikko, eastern Japan, on March 19, 2023. Clinching the Kio, Fujii, 20, now holds six out of shogi's eight major titles, making him the second player in shogi history to do so after Yoshiharu Habu.

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Fujii defends Osho title

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii poses at a press conference in Kamimine, Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on March 13, 2023, a day after defending his Osho title by beating veteran player Yoshiharu Habu 4-2 in a best-of-seven series.

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Fujii defends Osho title

Shogi prodigy Sota Fujii attends a press conference in Kamimine, Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on March 13, 2023, a day after defending his Osho title by beating veteran player Yoshiharu Habu 4-2 in a best-of-seven series.

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Celebration for Fujii winning 2 major shogi titles

SETO, Japan, Aug. 21 Kyodo - Photo taken Aug. 21, 2020, shows posters put up in shogi prodigy Sota Fujii's hometown in Seto, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, celebrating the 18-year-old's feat in becoming the youngest player ever to win two of the game's major titles, Oi and Kisei.

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Shogi prodigy reaches 50th professional win

Fifteen-year-old Sota Fujii, Japan' youngest professional shogi player, and 54-year-old player Shingo Hirafuji reflect on their match in Osaka on Nov. 21, 2017 after Fujii clinched his 50th career win earlier in the day. By beating the seventh-dan Hirafuji, Fujii, a fourth-dan player and a junior high school student aged 15 years and 4 months, became the youngest player to reach the 50th win. Since his pro debut in December 2016, the shogi prodigy set an all-time record with 29 consecutive professional wins in June 2017. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Shogi prodigy Fujii in match to extend record winning streak to 30

Sota Fujii (L), at 14 the youngest professional player of shogi Japanese chess, prepares to start a match to extend his all-time record winning streak to 30 at Tokyo Shogi Hall on July 2, 2017 against Yuki Sasaki. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Shogi prodigy Fujii in match to extend record winning streak to 30

Sota Fujii (L), at 14 the youngest professional player of shogi Japanese chess, moves a piece during a match to extend his all-time record winning streak to 30 at Tokyo Shogi Hall on July 2, 2017 against Yuki Sasaki. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Shogi prodigy Fujii in match to extend record winning streak to 30

Sota Fujii, at 14 the youngest professional player of shogi Japanese chess, waits for his opponent Yuki Sasaki (behind Fujii walking) to sit down before their match at Tokyo Shogi Hall on July 2, 2017. Fujii was bidding to extend his all-time record winning streak to 30. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

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Celebration for Fujii winning 2 major shogi titles

Children in shogi prodigy Sota Fujii's hometown in Seto, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, celebrate on Aug. 21, 2020, a day after the 18-year-old became the youngest player ever to win two of the game's major titles, Oi and Kisei.

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Celebration for Fujii winning 2 major shogi titles

Photo taken Aug. 21, 2020, shows a banner put up at the city hall in shogi prodigy Sota Fujii's hometown in Seto, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, celebrating the 18-year-old's feat in becoming the youngest player ever to win two of the game's major titles, Oi and Kisei.

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Celebration for Fujii winning 2 major shogi titles

Photo taken Aug. 21, 2020, shows posters put up in shogi prodigy Sota Fujii's hometown in Seto, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, celebrating the 18-year-old's feat in becoming the youngest player ever to win two of the game's major titles, Oi and Kisei.