In the final round of the 84th Shogi Master title A-Class rankings, Takumi Nagase (33) and Tetsuro Itoh (37) both suffered defeats, finishing with records of 7 wins and 2 losses, thereby triggering a playoff to determine the challenger for the title. This playoff is significant as it determines who will face reigning champion Sota Fujii, who currently holds six major titles in the world of Shogi. Should Nagase win, it would mark his second consecutive title challenge, while a victory for Itoh would allow a member of the Japan Shogi Association’s executive board to contend for the title for the first time since 1986.

The playoff will take place on March 2 at the Shogi Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo, attracting considerable attention from fans and media, given the high stakes involved. The A-Class rankings comprise the top 10 players competing in a league format, where the champion earns the right to challenge the Master, and the bottom two players are relegated to B-Class. This season has been particularly eventful with injuries impacting player participation, notably with Akira Watanabe withdrawing due to a knee injury, which has added an unexpected layer of drama to the proceedings.

Events in this league are known for their intensity, often stretching late into the night, hence the term “the longest day in the Shogi world,” reflecting both the physical and mental demands placed on the players. The outcome of the upcoming playoff not only determines the title challenger but also shapes the narrative of future matches in the Shogi community.