WHAT'S NEW FROM ISPS

December 20, 2004

To establish an institute to train Japanese Shogi trainers in Korea(Vol.27,2004.3.1)

In Korea, an institute to train Japanese Shogi trainers has been established. In January in Korea, the “Institute for Japanese Shogi Trainers”, which had been described as “Dreams and Projects”, was really established. The Institute plans to turn out Shogi teachers for elementary schools and kindergartens in Korea so the children can enjoy the game as extra curricula activities. It is reported that although the number of days is limited for this year, dozens of eager candidates have already gathered together. (Naohiro Sanada,Chairman,ISPS)

Responding to the move, ISPS has dispatched 2 members as lecturers to train “Japanese Shogi Leaders”. Mr. Tomohiko Ueda (Amateur 5-dan; Official Shogi Instructor of Japan Shogi Association; Professor Emeritus of Showa Women’s University) was in Korea from January 4 through 17, and Mr. Ryoji Kawakita was there from January 25 through February 11. To learn how things went in Korea, you are asked to read their reports on the previous pages.
Management and control of the Institute are to be taken care of by World Shogi Corporation (President, Mr. Park), who is also in charge of business operations of Janggi Association. Concerning funds needed for the dispatch of instructors from Japan, ISPS is in charge and is able to receive subsidies from the Japan Culture Center (Mr. Kubo, Chief in Korea).
It is reported that in Korea, if anyone commits too much to the Japanese culture, he or she may be persecuted. Such being the case, it is really remarkable that they dare receive instructions on Japanese Shogi in order to spread it to children. Concerning ISPS’s future role in this situation, we shall listen to the two lecturers’ opinion as well as opinions from the Korean side in order to decide what to do.
Concerning this matter, we are grateful to Japan Shogi Association for their attention from the start.
As the 2nd step, ISPS plans to invite Korean elementary school children, who have learned how to play Shogi, to Japan and to hold the “2nd Shogi and Janggi Interchange Festa between Japan and Korea” in late August of 2004. Since, at present, funding issues have not been fully solved, we plan to invite only 2 children (and an accompanying adult). Nevertheless, since we have only 2 participants from Korea, the occasion may not be qualified as a “Festa”. Thus with future fund-raising, we shall make the occasion a big one.
There is also a plan to invite public participation of Japanese elementary schools that would like to have association with Korean elementary school through Shogi. Please let us have your good ideas on the matter.

Posted by isps-admin at 03:43 PM | Comments (0)

November 16, 2004

Let us start the interchange between Japanese and Korean Changi(Vol.22,2002.12.21)

So far Korea is said to be a country near but distant. Even today this remains to be the same. For instance, among Japanese Shogi fans, very few people can play Changi (Korean Shogi). Probably, ordinary Japanese do not know that in Korea there is original Korean “Shogi”. On the other hand, in Korea, very few people know about Japanese Shogi, even though they may know something about Chinese Shogi and chess. (by Naohiro Sanada, chairman)

Through joint hosting of the World Cup in soccer this year, the distance between Japan and Korea is clearly shortened. If different countries are to become intimate, it would be effective if people of those countries play sports or games and sing together.
For this reason, ISPS plans that the year 2003 should be the year to start a project of interchange of “Shogi” and “Changi”.
Among the member of ISPS, there is Mr. Jung-Bin Song. He has been the Tokyo representative of the Korean Changgi Association for quite some time, trying to popularize “Korean Shogi” or “Changgi” in Japan. When Mr. Song and I met at a New Year Party, we came to agree that this year (2002) is for the World Cup in soccer between the two countries, but for the next year let us make a project to join Japan and Korea by means of Shogi.
Through the introduction of Mr. Song, in September I lunched with Mr. Chang-Shik Yu 9 dan, former Secretary General of the Korean Changgi Association. On that occasion, I told him about ISPS and its dreams and projects. Likewise in October, I met with Mr. Jin-Hoon Baek, Chief Correspondent of the Chosen Nippo (the largest news paper publishing company in Korea) and told him our dreams.
In order to make a dream realized into a plan, we have to decide the details. It has been decided that some time in May of next year, one or two Directors or members of ISPS will visit Korea to conclude a fundamental agreement before starting a concrete plan. Then in November, we plan to execute the “Goodwill Tour of Shogi and Changi Matches between Japan and Korea”.
Such being the case, if any ISPS members would like to visit our neighboring country utilizing this opportunity, please raise your hand to join the tour. By “Kakehashi” No. 23 or 24, we may be able to give you a more detailed account of the project.

Posted by isps-admin at 03:12 PM | Comments (0)