Tomoka Nishiyama's shogi Free Class admission receives official approval

The Japan Shogi Association has approved Tomoka Nishiyama's admission to its Free Class professional ranks, with her four-dan date set for April 1, 2027. The association's October 26 notice assigns her player number 356 and lists Hirofumi Ito as her teacher.

The Japan Shogi Association has approved Tomoka Nishiyama's admission to its Free Class professional ranks, with her four-dan date set for April 1, 2027. The association's October 26 notice assigns her player number 356 and lists Hirofumi Ito as her teacher. Nishiyama qualified after defending the Hakurei title in its

sixth edition. Her fifth Hakurei title earned eligibility for the Queen Hakurei designation and, under the association's Free Class rules, a route into the professional class. The announcement says she submitted her admission paperwork within the required period and that the association's executive board accepted it.

The notice describes Nishiyama as holding four women's titles. It confirms the administrative approval and future effective date; it does not present April's status as already active. The decision gives competitive shogi followers a specific next milestone after her successful title defence. Japan Shogi Association

notice. Image: Japan Shogi Association; official accompanying photograph.

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