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 30, 2004
Report on Shogi and Janggi Interchange Festa between Japan and Korea (Vol.26,2003.12.20)
We have carried out the interchange festa between Japan and Korea on which an announcement was made in “Kakehashi No. 24”. The detail is given below: (Naohiro Sanada, Chairman）
++Report on the 1st Shogi and Janggi Interchange Festa between Japan and Korea++
Dates carried on: November 1 (Saturday) and 2 (Sunday), 2003
Place: The Janggi Association in Seoul
Participants:
Japan: 1 professional Shogi player (Kazuharu Shoshi 6-dan) and 22 ISPS members
Korea: Members of Korean Janggi Association and children from elementary schools and junior high schools who want to learn Shogi
Content of the interchange festa:
1st day Lessons on Janggi and instruction on how to play Janggi
2nd day Lessons on Shogi and instruction on how to play Shogi
Shogi and Janggi matches freely among participants
Sponsored by: ISPS and Korean Shogi Association
Backed up by: The Japanese Embassy in Korea
Subsidized by: The Asia Center of Japan Foundation
The above is the first event to be co-sponsored by the Korean Janggi Association and ISPS, which shall be continually carried out. In 2004, we shall invite Korean elementary school children who are strongly interested in Japanese Shogi.
This festa was created through the effort of Mr. Kim Ung-sul, Chairman and members of the Korean Janggi Association. All participants from Japan learned how to play Janggi. It is somewhat different from Japanese Shogi, but it is quite interesting as well. In exchange, we taught Shogi to high-ranking Janggi players and Korean school children. My impression is that those who are strong in Janggi are quick to understand the gist of Shogi and enjoy playing Shogi.
Since I am of opinion that the purpose of the first festa has been fully attained, I would like to express my gratitude to those staff members of Korea and Japan.
It is important to have dreams and projects for the sake of repeated festas. Here is a piece of good news although it is not yet on a formal stage. Presently, World Janggi Corporation (an affiliated company of the Korean Janggi Association in Japan) plans to establish a training school of Shogi instructors in Korea. They plan to train 100 Korean instructors of Japanese Shogi in January and February 2004, and from March 2004 they shall start teaching Shogi to elementary schools and kindergartens as extra curricula lessons. This move is really epoch-making and it has never taken place in any other country. In this connection, ISPS plans to dispatch 2 instructors to Korea in January or February (among ISPS members) who are to train “Japanese Shogi instructors”. The Japan Shogi Association appears prepared to support us centering on Mr. Yonenaga, Executive Director in charge of popularization of Shogi. Also the Japan Cultural Center (Mr. Kubo, Chief of the Center) in Seoul of Japan Foundation is expected to help us.
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 funding issues have not been fully solved, we plan to invite only 2 children for the present(and an accompanying adult). Nevertheless, with only 2 participants from Korea, the occasion may not be qualified as a “Festa”. Thus with the success of future fund raising, we shall make the occasion a big one.
There is a plan to invite public participation of Japanese elementary schools that would like to associate with Korean elementary school through Shogi. Please let us have your good ideas on this matter.
Posted by isps-admin at 04:30 PM | Comments (0)
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.
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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)
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)
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 09, 2004
Dispatching a Shogi Trainer to Sweden, etc(Vol. 20, 2002.6.30)
A Subsidy obtained, now for Realization of Dreams
We have received favorable replies from 2 foundations mentioned in the “Kakehashi” No. 19, namely, The Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges and The Scandinavia-Japan Sasakawa Foundation. Both of them have agreed to bear a part of the costs. (by Naohiro Sanada, Chairman)
Out of our 2 projects, “Dispatching a Shogi Trainer” and “Goodwill Shogi Matches between Yokohama and Shanghai”, Yokohama has chosen the latter and decided to subsidize us. Accordingly in February next year, we are going to invite children from Shanghai, China for goodwill Shogi matches. As to the details, I shall address those in the next “Kakehashi”.
Simultaneously, ISPS has started a system to send a Shogi trainer to Sweden. This is to be carried out as a part of the interchange of Shogi between Japan and Sweden. This year, almost all of the cost is to be borne by the Scandinavia-Japan Sasakawa Foundation.
(Denomination)
• The System Dispatching a Shogi Trainer to Sweden
(Purpose)
• To dispatch able Shogi trainers repeatedly in order to upgrade the level and to help increase the number of Swedish Shogi fans
• To assist the activities of the Swedish Shogi Federation led by Mr. Danerud
(Number of trainers to be dispatched)
• In principle, 2 persons at a time.
Selection of trainers: To be decided after taking into account the advice* of the Japan Shogi Association (JSA)
* A member of ex-would-be Shogi professionals or an active professional shogi player may be recommended by JSA. From ISPS, one of our members who is good at English, or preferably good at Swedish may join him. Their aims are not only to train Swedish in Shogi, but also to introduce Japanese culture.
(Schedule)
• 6 nights stay in Sweden for a total of 8 days (including 2 flight days). 5 days training for members of the Swedish Shogi Association and instructing Swedish children how to play Shogi (The remaining one day is for sight-seeing or at trainers’ discretion).
(Date to dispatch)
• To be decided at the request of the Swedish Shogi Association (For the first occasion, the date to be dispatched shall be November, 2002)
(Cost to be borne)
Japanese side: Air freight, lodging expense, instructional material, etc. shall be borne by ISPS. An instructor is to pay his personal expenses.
Swedish side: Inland transportation fee and meal expense shall be borne by the Swedish Shogi Association
Since the denomination, the “System Dispatching a Shogi Trainer to Sweden” appears to be too long and too rigid, you are asked to give me a good idea for its nickname.
For the subsequent trials, we shall study further and try to keep maintaining this system.
Posted by isps-admin at 09:42 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.
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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.
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August 19, 2004
A dream to establish a system to dispatch Shogi instructors overseas(Vol.16,2001.7.26)
A dream is to think how nice it would be if we could make this or that or to think if there existed this or that. In reality, nothing is materialized yet. Planning is a step forward to realize what is imagined in a dream. (By Naohiro Sanada, chaiman)
A motto of ISPS is “Try to have big dreams and realize them steadily little by little.”
A dream that ISPS had until the year before last was “conversion into a corporation of ISPS”. Without any help from a professional expert, thanks to the introduction of a new law on Non-Profit Organizations, we achieved this in autumn of last year.
A next dream after our conversion into a corporation was to promote Japanese and Chinese children’s Shogi matches sponsored by official organizations on a regular and repeating basis. The “First Goodwill Festa of Matches between Japanese and Chinese Elementary School Children” realized the dream.
Sponsored by the Japan Shogi Association, the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, preliminary matches of children in Tokyo shall be held in June and the final selection, inviting Chinese children, shall be held in July. (The detail of the final matches shall be informed in the Kakehashi No. 17.)
This dream has expanded further. Next year as a part of the 30th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between Japan and China, the second festa is now being planned.
The pleasant dream that the children of both countries will continue Shogi matches every year by exchanging visits between Tokyo and Beijing is now being translated into reality.
At this juncture, as the strength of ISPS becomes stronger, here is another dream that we hope will be realized. This dream is the “establishment of a system to dispatch Shogi instructors overseas”. Recently, in China, Russia, Sweden, etc., persons who have come to be aware of the appeal of Shogi are increasing. And they are eager to spread it. Now, the number of countries and persons who are attracted by Shogi will be increasing more than ever.
According to our past experience, problems facing a country where nothing is known about Shogi are the following: --
(1) Lack of Shogi instructors
(2) Lack of instruction books written in a local language where Shogi will be popularized (Even books on Shogi written in English are quite limited in number.)
(3) Hard to obtain a board and pieces of Shogi
It is not rare that professional Shogi players visit abroad giving lessons, or amateur-volunteers teach basics to foreigners. I know an instance that in Paraguay, a Japanese man produced special pieces of Shogi for the sake of native people who could not read Japanese and then he started giving lessons.
In spite of that example, it can be said that so far nothing has been done under a long range plan. Under such circumstance, I am of the opinion that ISPS can contribute greatly if we are able to dispatch a coach to a foreign organization or individual persons at their request for a term according to a plan based upon an established system. This will surely help the popularization of Shogi.
So far this is what I dream as a desirable system, which should be materialized. However, no concrete measure has been decided yet. In order to make it a reality, we should think of ways to collect and pool talented people. There are some difficulties. Among them: how long they should be dispatched to what country or countries; how those kinds of things are to be decided, etc.
The most important problem is the question of who is going to bear the expenses. If ISPS was a rich organization, such a plan could easily be realized only upon obtaining an authorization from the directors or a general meeting of the members.
Unfortunately, for the present, ISPS is not that rich. Nevertheless, we should somehow try to do our best under the limited circumstances. Then let us try to find sponsors. A Shogi fan, with a burning passion for popularization of Shogi world-wide, suddenly dies with a will to donate immense wealth to ISPS – A fairy-tale. Such is like winning the first prize at lottery. Let us turn to a more realistic story.
A realistic possibility that has emerged recently is that it may be possible for us to join the “Supporting Plan for Youth’s International Activities” sponsored by Kanagawa Prefecture. The gist of this plan is that Kanagawa Prefecture is to support youth’s international activities. Its qualification are as follows: --
*18-30 years old person living, working and / or studying in Kanagawa Prefecture
*A subject place: A place either designated by the Prefecture, or a person selected is
to decide in accordance with his (or her) desire.
*Term: More than one month and less than six months
*Expenses: The Prefecture is to pay half the amount needed for the international
activities.
Since this is a public system, there are a number of restrictions. Nevertheless, if ISPS were able to find a young person who is a strong Shogi player and lives in Kanagawa, it would be possible for ISPS to let him apply for the plan and then send him abroad. For instance, we could set up a plan to send him to Shanghai, which is a sister city of Yokohama (in Kanagawa Prefecture), to give instructions to pupils of elementary and middle schools there. However, in this case, he should be good at Chinese. Since half the cost is to be borne by the Prefecture, we should decide how much of the balance should be borne by him and ISPS. If one million yen is to be borne by the youth and ISPS, by counting backwards, we can decide how long he can stay and teach in Shanghai.
Thus we can somehow send a coach abroad. Of course further effort is needed for extension and continuation of such an idea.
If we try to search such a plan at other local governments, we may be able to find similar systems. The national government may have almost the same system. Anyway if ISPS is able to utilize such a system, we may be able to materialize our plan with a limited amount of money.
Since I am looking for the members’ ideas on the matter and materialize international popularization of Shogi, your opinion on the matter is highly appreciated. Let me hear your opinion.
Posted by isps-admin at 08:09 AM | 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)
August 03, 2004
Converted into a Corporation(Vol.14,12.25.2000)
On September 29, 2000, our application submitted to Kanagawa Prefecture to acquire the status of a non-profit organization “International Shogi Popularization Society” was certified.(by Naohiro Sanada, Chairman)
Subsequently, on October 4, an official registration as a legal personality was carried out. Then on October 25, a notification of establishment ISPS as the legal personality was submitted to a revenue office. Thus with much pleasure, I would like to inform and to express thanks to you that all necessary procedures have been taken for ISPS to acquire a status of a legal personality.
Acquisition of a legal personality had been a dream since establishment of our society. I hoped for a long time that with an increase of the number of members and strengthening of the financial structure, the society should quickly acquire a legal personality leaving the status of a voluntary association. Happily, my dream was realized earlier than anticipated thanks to the recent inauguration of the nonprofit activities (NPO) promotion law.
Despite the high aim of ISPS, it was regarded to be weak financially as well as organizationally. Since NPO is not a magic wand, acquisition of a legal personality does not overcome our other weaknesses. As a matter of fact, a member told me that if ISPS should acquire a legal personality, he would leave the organization. Since the will and aim of members vary, I think we would do ourselves an injustice to create a strictly defined organization. Originally, since ISPS is an organization whose aim it is to enjoy playing Shogi with the people of the world, I am of the opinion that the internal organizational structure can be flexible. Simply by acquisition of the non-profit status, contact with other organizations outside may be changed. The judgment of outsiders for us may need to be changed for the better and can be a big benefit of this status change. The scope of our activities can be expanded much wider than ever.
As to the financial side, if we remain inactive, we will rely on increasing the number of members and the current membership fee. However, because of the acquisition of this legal status, we can more positively explain the objectives of ISPS and acquire understanding and cooperation from outside. On such occasion, I am sure that the status of a legal personality rather than a voluntary association can work more positively. One of the most important works that a new Chairperson and Directors should do is the collection of necessary funds by positively utilizing the newly acquired legal status.
As I stated before, a motto of ISPS is “to make dreams as big as possible with a commitment to work steadily”. Now let us try harder to realize our dreams by making the best use of our newly acquired non-profit legal status.
Posted by isps-admin at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)
ISPS-An Insititution for Popularization of Shogi(Vol.13,9.15.2000)
In our organ “Kakehashi”, I have decided to have a column in which our dreams and projects shall be described. For the time being, I shall be in charge of filling up the column. Of course, since it is an open forum, any member is free to use the column for expressing his view. (by Naohiro Sanada, Chairman)
One of the mottos of our society since its establishment is “to make dreams as big as possible with a commitment to work steadily”.
The purpose of our society is to let people of the world understand and enjoy Shogi. However, the challenge of spreading Shogi throughout the world is beyond a single person’s ability. Hence, it becomes necessary to establish and utilize an organizational power. Our intention is to accept interested and motivated people as members and help them spread Shogi utilizing the function of our organization.
Interestingly, there are a few people who are against spreading Shogi internationally. For example, Japanese residents accused a person who gave lessons on the game to Chinese children in Beijing since Chinese children became much stronger than Japanese children. Likewise, among my friends, there is a person who is against teaching Shogi to foreigners on the grounds that persons who are not Japanese should not hold such important titles as “Meijin” and “Ryuou”.
In the 21st century, by means of development of transportation and communication, contact of different countries is sure to become much closer. Under such circumstances, is there any point in boasting to be the world’s No. 1, by winning a title of a game which is played only within Japan among Japanese？
According to the rules of Japanese Shogi, since pieces taken out from the opponent can be utilized, diversity of situations about the end of a game is so varied that it is more interesting than the other equivalents like chess.
As a matter of fact, after teaching Shogi to foreigners who are strong in Chess or Chinese Shogi, I usually ask them, “Which of the two is more interesting?” Their answer is “Just between us, Japanese Shogi is more interesting”.
Can you imagine that in spite of such attractiveness, there are professional Shogi players solely in Japan? Do you not think that the present situation is rather strange? Hence, I strongly advocate that we, the members of I.S.P.S., helping each other, should spread Shogi throughout world.
During this year, I.S.P.S. is scheduled to acquire a legal personality as a non-profit organization. By acquiring this legal personality, the organization affirms its commitment to fulfill the obligations spelled out in its charter. Thus, our group is poised to grow from a mere group of Shogi lovers to an organization devoted to international cultural activities through Shogi.
Thus your kind understanding and continued cooperation are becoming more valuable as we continue in our quest.
Posted by isps-admin at 11:37 AM | Comments (0)