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Just like every year before, we will have a chess booth at the Shimokita Meijin-sen Event this year.
In addition to chess, a variety of other events will also be held. For more details, please visit the official website at the link below.
https://shimokitazawa-east.com/archives/8323
Date, Time & Venue
Date & Time: Sunday, April 26, 2025, 12:00–17:00
Venue: Special event area near Shimokitazawa Station
Right outside Shimokitazawa Station (Odakyu Line / Keio Inokashira Line)
https://shimokitazawa-east.com/archives/8323
Schedule
At this event, you can enjoy the following activities:
① Simultaneous exhibition by Master players
② Challenge a Master player while consulting with friends or family
③ Beginner-friendly rules introduction
④ Chess Puzzle Corner for Beginners (available from 14:00 to 16:00 only)
⑤ Photo spot with giant chess pieces
Event
① Simultaneous Exhibition by Master Players
Enjoy a simultaneous exhibition against a Master (6 participants per session, selected by lottery / paid).
A mini talk show will also be held, so please feel free to join that as well.
Beginners are also very welcome to participate.
◆ WCM Kojima, Natsumi
12:30-12:50 Raffle Entry & Guest Q&A
13:00-13:15 Mini Talk Show
13:20-14:10 Simultaneous Matches (1 vs. 6)
◆ IM Kojima, Shinya
14:00-14:20 Raffle Entry & Guest Q&A
14:30-14:45 Mini Talk Show
14:45-15:35 Simultaneous Matches (1 vs. 6)
◆ FM Otsuka, Shou
15:20-15:40 Raffle Entry & Guest Q&A
15:50-16:05 Mini Talk Show
16:05-16:55 Simultaneous Matches (1 vs. 6)
② Challenge a Master with Advice from Friends or Family
You don’t have to play alone.
You can challenge a Master while consulting with friends or family.
FM Otsuka, Shou / WCM Kojima, Natsumi / IM Kojima, Shinya are scheduled to appear in turn.
■ IM Kojima, Shinya
12:45-12:55 Reception
13:00-13:50 Match
■ FM Otsuka, Shou
14:00-14:10 Reception
14:15-15:05 Match
■ WCM Kojima, Natsumi
15:15-15:25 Reception
15:30-16:20 Match
③ Beginner-Friendly Rules Introduction
Held throughout the day
Our staff will explain the rules of chess and offer instructional games to visitors.
Even if you don’t know the rules, no problem! Our staff will guide you in a friendly and easy-to-understand way. If you’ve never delivered a checkmate before, this is a great chance to experience chess for the first time ♪
We also have a free-play area, so you can enjoy games with your friends or family who came with you.
④ Chess Puzzle Corner for Beginners (14:00–16:00)
We have prepared a variety of easy-to-solve chess puzzles.
Work together with your family and friends and enjoy solving them!
Beginners are very welcome.
Come and experience the joy of an “aha!” moment!
⑤ Photo Spot with Giant Chess Pieces (All Day)
At the photo area featuring giant chess pieces and a large chessboard, you are free to take pictures.
Be sure to capture a memorable moment!
Guest Profiles
◆ IM Kojima, Shinya
Japanese Champion in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2010 / International Master
An International Master with multiple victories at the All Japan Chess Championship, and one of the top players in Japan.
He has represented Japan at the Chess Olympiad and actively competes in international tournaments, scoring points against higher-rated master players.
With sharp calculation and a stable playing style, he has built an impressive record both in Japan and abroad, and is widely regarded as one of Japan’s leading players.
He has also coached many promising players and has made a significant contribution to the development of chess in Japan.
◆ FM Otsuka, Shou
Member of the Japan National Team for the 2026 Chess Olympiad / FM (FIDE Master)
He started playing chess while in university.
While also active in the university shogi scene, he rapidly improved his chess rating by leveraging his experience, and in May 2024, he earned the Candidate Master title, one of the official FIDE titles.
Continuing his remarkable progress, he further increased his rating and achieved the higher title of FIDE Master in July 2024.
He is currently competing in Europe, the heartland of chess, aiming to earn the International Master title, an even higher distinction.
Among active players, he holds the third-highest rating in Japan.
◆ WCM Kojima, Natsumi
Member of the Japan Women’s National Team for the 2022, 2018, and 2016 Chess Olympiads / WCM (Woman Candidate Master)
One of the leading players in Japanese women’s chess, actively competing in tournaments both in Japan and abroad.
She has achieved consistently strong results, particularly in women’s events, and is ranked among the top players nationally.
In addition to improving her competitive strength through chess, she is also actively involved in promotion and events, sharing the appeal of chess with a wide audience.
She is highly regarded not only as a player but also as an instructor and commentator.
Continuing to strive for higher ratings and titles, she is a key figure in Japanese women’s chess, with great expectations for her future achievements.
◆ Media Policy
The organizer may take photos and videos of the event and may also conduct live streaming.
These materials may be published on websites, social media, video platforms, and official publications managed by the federation, and may also be provided to the media if requested.
By participating, all participants are deemed to have agreed to the use of these photos and videos, as well as live streaming.
Gallery
Scenes from 2025
Simultaneous exhibition by FM Otsuka, Shou
Chess rules introduction and friendly games
Giant chess pieces
