Experience Japanese Shogi in KyotoJapanese Shogi Experience in Kyoto

"A Moment to Experience Japanese Traditional Culture"
Welcome to the Kangetsu Shogi Experience Course!

Would you like to immerse yourself in the world of shogi while calming your mind in the serene town of Kyoto?

Perfect for beginners and open to all ages, anyone is welcome to join.

In the tranquil atmosphere of Kyoto, we provide an experience to learn shogi, from the basics to deeper strategies, allowing you to explore Japanese culture and wisdom.

Contents of the Shogi Experience

Our experienced instructors provide careful support to ensure that even beginners can enjoy the experience with confidence.

The experience not only includes classroom learning but also focuses on enhancing concentration and problem-solving skills through real matches.

Whether for a unique memory of your Kyoto trip or to add a touch of Japanese culture to your everyday life, we invite you to join us.

1. Learning the Basics of Shogi

Types and Movements of Pieces: We explain the types of pieces and their movements for beginners. You’ll have a fun time learning the rules by moving the pieces yourself. How to Use the Shogi Board: We introduce the arrangement of pieces on the board and their significance, helping you get familiar with the world of shogi.

2. Experiencing a Simple Match

Understanding Through Real Play: Once the basics are clear, you can try a short match.
The instructor will support you throughout, so you can enjoy and learn without focusing on winning or losing.

3. Introduction to Shogi Strategies and Tactics

Basic Tactics for Beginners: We explain simple formations and attack methods like "Yagura," "Kinmusou," and "Mino-gakoi," and support you in trying them gradually in future matches.
Improvement Tips: We offer advice tailored to each skill level, including tips for future practice.

4. Practice Matches and Reflection

Free Matches: Engage in practice matches with other participants or the instructor, deepening your understanding through real play.
Instructor Feedback: After the match, receive feedback from the instructor to help you feel a sense of improvement.

5. Time to Connect with Japanese Shogi Culture

The History of Shogi and its Connection to Kyoto: We introduce how shogi became embedded in Japanese culture and stories of famous players associated with Kyoto. Through shogi, you’ll deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.

Shogi and BuddhismCommonalities Between Shogi and Zen

The Relationship Between Shogi and Buddhism

Shogi and Buddhism are said to be deeply connected within Japanese culture. In both the origins and the mental aspects of shogi, we can observe links to Buddhist concepts.

1. Origins of Shogi and Buddhism: Shogi’s roots are believed to stem from an ancient Indian board game called "Chaturanga."
This game traveled along the Silk Road, reaching China and Korea before arriving in Japan, where it developed into the form we know today.
Likewise, Buddhism was also transmitted from India to Japan via the Silk Road, making it interesting that both shogi and Buddhism share a common route of transmission.
This historical journey suggests that shogi was strongly influenced by Buddhist culture.
2. Spiritual Influence: In shogi, there is an emphasis on "letting go of attachment."
The ever-changing nature of the game requires players to adapt to new situations without clinging to specific moves, embodying the Buddhist concepts of "impermanence" (the idea that all things change) and "non-self" (letting go of attachments).
Additionally, shogi players are encouraged to maintain calmness and composure, accepting the outcome of the match. This approach aligns closely with the Buddhist principle of "teikan" (seeing things with equanimity).
3. Pieces and Buddhist Terminology: In shogi, pieces have a rule called "promotion," where, for example, a "pawn" can promote to a "gold general," making it stronger.
This concept resembles the Buddhist idea of personal growth through spiritual practice, ultimately achieving enlightenment.
The process of "promotion," where pieces become stronger, parallels the Buddhist notion of "attaining enlightenment" or "becoming a Buddha."
4. Historical Connection Between Buddhist Temples and Shogi: From the Muromachi period to the Edo period, many shogi players trained at Buddhist temples.
Highly skilled players, known as "meijin," were sometimes called "shogi monks," with monks occasionally teaching or playing shogi.
As a result, shogi teachings and Buddhist principles merged, and shogi was regarded as part of one’s spiritual discipline.
5. Commonalities Between Shogi and Zen: Shogi, influenced by Zen Buddhism, is regarded as a reflection of Japanese spiritual culture.
Zen emphasizes a clear, focused mind, and in shogi, both "calculation" and "intuition" are essential. Players must maintain mental clarity to read the situation.
Thus, shogi and Zen mutually influence each other, highlighting shogi as a form of mental discipline.