
(Social affairs) Throughout the championship, I tried to talk with the players of foreign countries. The social affairs which were conducted by Mr. Utsunomiya last year were my duties this year!
Whenever I met with foreign players, I asked their names and countries and I greeted like this; “ If I receive your offer come to your country, I will be glad to follow your request. The first offer will be deemed as a first priority.” How many request will I receive ?
And I did lobbying activity to the Shogi association of other countries as for the “Kifu Viewing Project” whoch had been commenced by ISPS. Kifu Viewing Project means that the Kifu of major domestic championships shall be noted, the Kifu shall be uploaded to a web-site with commentaries by professional players or amateur Shogi players and the players around the world will watch the Kifu on the web-site. This project is supposed to help amateur players of the world understand the ways of progress by suggesting the games of other players with significant comments by professional players and amateur Shogi players.
This project was accepted by many players of foreign countries with approuval and expectation. I received offers to present the Kifu by the representatives of Poland, Germany, Russia and Belarus. Also, the representatives of Ukraine and Holland promised to consult with their Shogi associations on the issue afterwards.
This lobbying activity was supported by Frank, Chairman of FESA.
Ater the closing events were over, I held a small party by inviting running staff of the championship. These staff devoted themselves to the success of the championship. (On the right front, Takumi Ito, Masahiro Ito, Sergej and Nakai. On the left front, Frank, Jochen, Michail and Ozeki. Photo: Mitsuru Niizeki)
We closed the party by saying each other “See you next year again somewhere!” (Ozekia 2014-02-20)