November 19, 2004
Yokohama and Shanghai Shogi Exchange, a dream for the next year(Vol.25,2003.9.27)
The First Yokohama and Shanghai Shogi Exchange was held in February 2003 by inviting a number of children in Yokohama including 8 representatives of elementary schools and junior high schools of Shanghai. In addition to the formal Shogi matches, a Shogi match for pleasure was held between Japanese and Chinese children. (by Naohiro Sanada, chairman)
Each child moves a piece at a time, and then another child moves it or another piece thus continuing the match. It was really a lovely event contributing heavily for goodwill between Yokohama and Shanghai. After this event, Keio Futsu-bu Junior High School in Yokohama and Kansen Junior High School in Shangai are reported to have established sister school relationship through Shogi. Thus a continued relationship is expected between the two schools through computer Shogi matches.
To further expand such a move, it is decided that in 2004, Japanese elementary and junior high school children will visit Shanghai to hold the 2nd Yokohama and Shanghai Goodwill Shogi Matches, the details of which are given below:
1. Date: March 26 (Sunday), 2004
(Preliminary matches are to be held in August 21, 2003 at Keikyu Shogi Festa)
2. Place: Shanghai, China
3. Participants: at both Yokohama and Shanghai, preliminaries are to be held. In the case of Japan, qualified children are those who have won 2 matches at Keikyu Shogi Festa and wish to visit Shanghai for the Shogi Matches.
4. How to play at the Goodwill Shogi Matches: by tournament
5. Cost to be borne by Japan: Prizes to be prepared by Japanese side. Travel expenses to be borne by Japanese participants
Cost to be borne by China: Diplomas of merit, operation cost (cost of the event site, lunch expenses), expense for interpreters
6. Sponsored by ISPS and Shanghai Shogi School
7. Co-sponsors: The Japanese Embassy; the City of Yokohama; Japan Shogi Association
The City of Shanghai; Shanghai Go Association
8. Assented by K.K. Kurazo
9. Subsidized by (to be determined) * ISPS plans to prepare a “Goodwill Shogi Matches to Shanghai” tour of 4 days and 3 nights including the Festa.
Posted by isps-admin at 02:40 PM | Comments (0)
November 18, 2004
A Report on Goodwill Shogi Matches between Yokohama and Shanghai and Subsequent Dreams
My dream to invite children who are strong in Shogi from Shanghai to Yokohama, a friendship town, was realized on February 1 of this year by opening successful goodwill Shogi matches in a comfortable lounge of the Yokohama International Exchange Association. (By Naohiro Sanada, Chairman)
From Shanghai, 4 elementary school children and 4 middle school pupils participated in the matches as representatives while as many as 7 substitutes and 9 teachers joined them and visited Japan. On the day of the matches, in addition to major matches, open matches between China substitutes and Japanese children and pupils who came to visit on the day were held. Furthermore, tutoring matches with participants and Japanese Shogi professionals, Harada 9 dan, Aono 9 dan, Saita (ladies) 4 dan and Takahashi (ladies) 2 dan and other Shogi games were held in very comfortable and amicable circumstances.
I am very grateful to Mr. Xu JIan Dong of Shanghai, Mr. Tsunoda, Chairman of Kanagawa Federation of Nihon Shogi Association and many other Japanese and Chinese who helped us to materialize the goodwill Shogi matches. In addition, from Beijing, led by Mr. Liu JIn Lan, Assistant Chief of the Education Board of Subun Ku, 28 observers visited to watch the matches.
Concerning this kind of exchange of Shogi matches between Yokohama and Shanghai, my dream is to keep continuing on with the goodwill matches making the present event act as the first step forwards. Presently no definite plan has been decided, but some board members are of the opinion that next year Japanese children should go to visit Shanghai for matches. In addition, it is said that a Shanghai junior high school is eager to exchange Shogi matches with a Japanese counterpart. In this connection, I feel it would be nice to have internet Shogi matches between such schools.
Another possibility is that if any children who played Shogi in this event wish to exchange letters, it would be a good idea for ISPS or Shanghai Shogi School to translate letters between Japanese and Chinese children. I am looking forward to hearing from you any suggestions to make the present event even more fruitful.
Posted by isps-admin at 03:03 PM | Comments (0)
September 10, 2004
Goodwill Shogi Matches between Yokohama and Shanghai(Vol.21,2002,9,14)
A Subsidy obtained, now for Realization of Dreams
Having obtained a subsidy from the Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges, we have established a plan to be described below in detail. In Shanghai, Shogi has come to be popular a few years later than Beijing. However, it is reported that the level of Shogi in Shanghai is a bit higher than that in Beijing. As a matter of fact, in 2001, an elementary school boy came to sit for an entrance examination of the Professional Shogi Player Trainee System (Syorei Kai, in Japanese). (by Naohiro Sanada, chairman)
Our plan this time is to invite 8 children from Shanghai, 4 each from elementary and middle schools respectively, in order to let them enjoy Shogi. If it turns out to be successful, exchange of goodwill between Yokohama-city and Shanghai can be strengthened through Shogi. I think that this Shogi festa can be the first of many goodwill Shogi matches between the two cities.
As in the case of the goodwill Shogi matches with Beijing, your sponsorship to this trial is highly appreciated.
Detail:
(Denomination)
• Goodwill Shogi Festa between Yokohama and Shanghai
(Subjects)
• 4 elementary school children respectively from Yokohama and Shanghai
• 4 middle school children respectively from Yokohama and Shanghai
• Total 16 members
(Outline of Festa)
• Preliminary matches are to be held in respective cities to select children representing both cities. (Yokohama preliminary matches are to be held in August 2002 on the occasion of Keikyu Shogi Festival.)
• We shall invite 8 representatives and 2 escorting teachers with an itinerary of 4 day and 3 nights stay (Air freight; to be borne by China. Lodging expense, domestic transportation fee, festa cost, etc. shall be paid by us.)
• The goodwill Shogi matches shall be held during one of the days of their stay in Japan.
• Days of their stay in Japan: February 14 through 17, 2003 (The Shogi matches are scheduled to be held either on 15 or 16 of February, 2003).
• Place: A meeting room of the Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges
(Sponsorship)
• ISPS and Shanghai Shogi School
(Co-sponsors)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yokohama-city, Japan Shogi Association, the City of Shanghai and Shanghai Go Association
(Subsidized by)
• , The Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges
(Cooperated by)
• The Joint Association in Kanagawa of the Japan Shogi Association
Posted by isps-admin at 09:12 AM | Comments (0)
September 06, 2004
A dream to send Shogi trainer overseas and an effort for its realization(Vol.19 2002.3.1)
In my column, “ISPS – Dreams and Projects” of No. 16 of the Kakahashi, I wrote about a dream of sending a Shogi trainer abroad. I think that this year should be the year for its realization. (by Naohiro Sanada, Chairman)
Right now an application is being made to the Yokohama International Interchange Association a subsidy for the “Yokohama and Shanghai Shogi Interchange Project”, while to The Scandinavia-Japan Sasakawa Foundation , we are going to ask a subsidy to send a Shogi trainer to Sweden. The purpose for asking subsidies is to cover at least half of the cost by them.
In both cases, we are advocating that the projects are not sporadic ones, but a long-term international exchange of goodwill through Shogi. We expect that those who examine our applications will be able to understand our eagerness.
The results shall be informed in the next number.
The state of preparation of the 2nd Goodwill Children Shogi Matches between Tokyo and Beijing
As announced by the Kakehashi, vol. 18, the preliminary matches of Tokyo are scheduled to be held on June 2 at an establishment of NEC through their courtesy.
The tour to watch the goodwill children Shogi matches in Beijing have only 25 seats available for members of ISPS. It doesn’t matter if you visit Beijing for the first time or many times as long as you wish to see the children goodwill Shogi matches. Since the number is limited, you are invited to reserve your seats as soon as possible.
Posted by isps-admin at 03:55 PM | Comments (0)
September 05, 2004
2nd Goodwill Shogi Matches between Elementary School Children of Tokyo and Beijing(Vol 18. 2001.12.20)
A Project to materialize a “Dream
When we held the First Goodwill Shogi Matches in July, no definite plans for the 2nd Matches were arranged. My idea at that time was that if the 1st Matches were held successfully, the next one in the following year would somehow come to be realized. Hence, I paid full attention to holding the 1st one and tried to hold it by all means. Happily, the 1st Matches turned out to be a big success. (by Naohiro Sanada, chairman)
Taking into account last year’s experience, 6 months of preparation time for the matches was found to be too short, we have organized a fundamental plan in consultation with the Chinese counterpart.
Plan for 2nd Goodwill Shoji Matches between Elementary School Children
From Tokyo and Beijing
(1) Date: One of the last 10 days of July 2002 (preferably 24 or 25 of July)
(2) Place: The Children’s Palace, Beijing, China
(3) Participants: From Tokyo: 8 children shall be selected out of preliminary matches
to be held in June 23, 2002
From Beijing: 8 children shall be selected out of preliminary matches to be held in Beijing
(4) Competition: Method Tournaments
(5) Promoters: ISPS
Beijing Children’s Palace
(6) Sponsors: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tokyo Metropolitan Government,
Japan Broadcasting Corporation, Japan Shogi Association,
Go and Shogi Channel, the City of Beijing, China Go Association
(7) Co-Sponsor: Mikura KK
Note: Simultaneously, “Backing-up Tour for Tokyo-Beijing Elementary School Children Shogi Matches” (scheduled from July 23 through 27) shall be held. Participants are 8 players, a Shogi Judge, a professional Shogi player, an ISPS director, a few substitutes and ordinary tour participants including participants and substitutes parents in total: about 55 members
Presently there are a number of undecided items. However, an outline is as mentioned above. The members of ISPS are welcome to join the tour partly to visit Beijing and partly to support the children. Also those who would like to make a financial contribution to support the Matches are also welcome. Right now we are accepting donations.
Posted by isps-admin at 09:45 AM | Comments (0)
September 04, 2004
Goodwill Shogi Matches between School Children of Tokyo and Beijing(Vol 17. 2001.9.30
A Dream to hold the 2nd Matches in Beijing
In July 31, our plan to periodically hold Shogi matches between school children of Tokyo and Beijing materialized as planned. It is indeed a pleasure that we are able to report it to you in this current issue. (By Naohiro Sanada, chaiman)
Even though we are not a large organization, a considerable number of individuals and corporations have assisted us. We are pleased to enumerate that 7 organizations have supported us including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK), the Japan Shogi Association, etc. Individuals who have supported us as mini-sponsors numbered as many as 30 persons.
There are a number of points that must be improved. We are thankful for those who have supported us in these 1st goodwill matches.
As I stated in “Dreams and Projects” of the Kakehashi vol. 15, school children goodwill Shogi matches should not be held once only or sporadically. They should be continued over a long period and systematically. So now, I am thinking how to organize the 2nd matches, the title of which should be “the 2nd Beijing and Tokyo School Children Goodwill Shoji Matches”.
Thus no matter how rich or poor ISPS may be, I am now dreaming that the 2nd matches should be realized. An implementation plan is yet to be drawn, however, I must once again ask the understanding and support of a number of persons and organizations for its realization. Your cooperation is highly appreciated.
According to my understanding, there are easy to follow conditions in comparison with the 1st matches. In the first place, the next year falls on the 30th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China. Because of this, I am informed that in China, not only the Children Palace in Beijing, but also the China Go Association, the City of Beijing, etc. are eager to hold children’s goodwill Shogi matches. At the same time, the International Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK International) has made a proposal to us that since they would like to incorporate children’s goodwill Shogi matches of the two countries into a special program for this anniversary, they would like to co-produce the children’s Shogi matches.
If a program is to be produced jointly with Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK), the plan can be doubled or even tripled. If this occurs, not only mini-sponsors but also big sponsors could be found. If the budget grows because of big sponsors, we may be able to invite children from Beijing.
The motto of ISPS is “bigger a dream while steadier for its realization”. Thus now before the start of planning for the 2nd trial, we are spreading our dream.
Posted by isps-admin at 09:55 PM | Comments (0)
August 10, 2004
Let us Promote Tokyo - Beijing Elementary School Children's Shogi friendly Matches(Vol.15, 3.31.2001)
It was in 1997 when ISPS invited 3 elementary school children from Beijing for the first time. In those days it was no easy matter for ordinary Chinese people to go abroad. However, each year for the past 4 years, a few elementary and junior high school boys and girls from Beijing and Shanghai came to visit Japan to learn and play Shogi. (by Naohiro Sanada, Chaiman)
Happily, reflecting the recent economic development of China, the restriction on travel abroad has eased.
Taking into account this improved situation, it has come to mind that it would be a good time for official organizations from both Japan and China to become avid supporters for the promotion of Shogi matches for elementary school children of both countries. The following is a written proposal to materialize the dream mentioned above.
One of the important points of this written proposal is to connect two sister cities, Beijing of China and Tokyo of Japan, with Shogi. Shogi matches between the two cities should not be a single shot promotion. Reciprocal and periodical exchange of visits by children of both cities to play Shogi is what I have in my mind. While the language barrier is a concern, we must remember that the main participants are the elementary school children of the two sister cities. Even if they may not be able to communicate verbally, they will be able to communicate their feelings and intentions through Shogi. If these matches are repeated every year, the number of children who can communicate their feelings and understand opponents' intention is sure to increase.
The first rally of Shogi matches of children of the two cities sponsored by our organization, ISPS, is to be held in July this year.
Preliminary matches in Tokyo are scheduled to begin in May of this year.
The most important problem standing in the way of this rally is "the expense". If Chinese counterparts are able to come to Tokyo by their own account, the "expense" to be borne by us shall be only the operating expense of the rally. In the future such treatment may become possible. But for the present, without assistant from our side, the scheduled 10 children's visit from China to Tokyo is impossible.
The expense needed for this occasion is calculated to be 1,050,000 yen and I am currently trying to think how to make it. Here are a few ideas: --
*Try to seek an organization or a corporation which can contribute the whole amount without batting an eye.
*Try to hold a charity Shogi match rally to support Tokyo-Beijing elementary school children matches.
*Try to collect mini-sponsors with a limited amount of money.
A unit of subscription (for an individual person) 1,000 yen
" (for an organization) 100,000 yen
Since ISPS is the sponsor, the call for mini-sponsors shall be
first made to our members. However, individuals and/or
organizations other than our members are of course welcome. If
the total amount ever exceeds the estimated amount, the balance
shall be carried over as a fund for proceeding years.
Positive support of the members of ISPS is strongly requested.
Posted by isps-admin at 03:14 PM | Comments (0)