The 19th Asahi Cup Shogi Open Championship's semifinals and finals took place on November 11 at the Takatsuki Castle Park Arts and Culture Theater in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture. Sota Fujii, the reigning champion and a holder of six titles, including Ryuo and Osho, faced off against 38-year-old ninth dan Tenhiko Sato in the semifinals. The intense game concluded with Fujii defeating Sato in 96 moves, thereby securing a place in the finals.

The semifinals featured a chilly playing room, which did not deter Fujii's competitive spirit as he swiftly removed his jacket and focused intently on the board with determination. His opponent, Sato, opened the game with an aggressive strategy known as the "yet to occur rook," showcasing a structure that is not commonly seen. Despite facing a situation with limited experience, Fujii maintained his composure and skill through the game.

As the game progressed, Fujii found himself under significant attack from Sato's pieces, particularly from the second file, indicating a critical moment in the match. The final match will see Fujii battle against Takumi Ito, a dual title holder, who previously defeated Kenjiro Abe in their semifinal match. This highly anticipated final highlights Fujii's prowess and the lively competition within the Shogi community.