Marius visited Japan 2

We moved to Shimbashi and talked about Shogi situation in Poland. Marius told that the number of Shogi population there stayed in even level and movement in Warsaw became inactive. On the other hand, he told a good news that a Shogi player has appeared in Wroclaw (300km south-west of Warsaw) and third Shogi club is expected to launch there.

In connection with this topic, Mr. Terao explained that one of the ‘EU Culture City in 2016’
is nominated to Wroclaw, various culture interchange programs will be planned and EU/Japan Japan Committee will fund to those programs. And, Mr. Terao proposed that Wroclaw launch a Shogi club in three years, expand its members and hold a Shogi event in 2016. Marius expressed his concerns on Mr. Terao’s proposals and promised to investigate the plan when he is back to Poland. ISPS presented 11 sets of Shogi pieces as gifts for Wroclaw.
(Ozekia 2014-03-31)

Marius visited Japan 1

Marius Stanaszek, President of Polish Shogi Association, visited Japan to announce the launch of Polish Shogi Association and to have the Association granted by JSA as one of the branch of JSA.

He also wanted to meet with ISPS members, so Manabu Terao (Deputy Chairman of ISPS) and I accepted him. According to the with proposal by Mr. Terao, we decided to watch live game named ‘ Shogi Nihon Series Final Kubo 9 dan vs Habu triple crown’ to be held in Tokyo Big Site. Marius enjoyed the plan very much, and he was deeply impressed by the large venu with 3,000 seats for kids Shogi tournament. (Photo)
(Ozekia 2014-03-29)

フランクの来日

ヨーロッパ将棋連盟会長のフランク・レーヴェカンプ氏が仕事で来日しました。
フランクは、各国の将棋協会を束ねるヨーロッパ将棋連盟の会長として活躍するだけでなく、日本の将棋関係者との親密な交流にも意を注ぐ親日家でもあります。私も、2013年3月にドイツを訪問した際、ハイデルベルクのフランク宅で、懇談に・対局にと、一日もてなしを受けました。

今回は、青野九段が、10月のドイツ訪問の際にフランクから受けたもてなしの返礼として、フランクを夕食会に招待したものです。野月七段らも同席しました。私も陪席の栄に浴しました。　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

新宿のすし屋での夕食会は大いに盛り上がりました。話題のほとんどは、外国への将棋の普及でした。アメリカの状況、中国の状況、東南アジアの状況、旧ソ連圏の状況、中南米の状況など、情報交換と問題点の指摘などが飛び交いました。フランクからは、「ヨーロッパの状況はヨーロッパ将棋連盟（ＦＥＳＡ）のホームページを見てください。成績、予定、レーティングなどの最新情報が載っています。」というコメントがありました。

また、プロ棋士が将棋の普及のために外国訪問しても、その情報が共有される環境ができていない、という深刻な問題があることも明らかになりました。プロ棋士と将棋普及関係者とがそのような情報を共有する仕組みが必要です。また、そのような情報を外国の将棋指しが閲覧できるような仕組みが必要でしょう。早急に取り組むべき課題だと認識しました。

来年7月のヨーロッパ選手権（ハンガリー・ブダペスト）での再会を約して、フランクと別れました。
（2014-03-27）

Frank visited Japan 2

The dinner at a Sushi restaurant in Shinjuku got into livening up. Almost all topics were how to spread Shogi to foreign countries. Situation in the U.S.A., China, South East Asia, former Soviet regions and Latin America was discussed. Frank told ’As for situation in Europe , please refer to the web-site of FESA. The result of games, tournament calendars and rating information are updated.’

The information of pro Shogi players who have visited to foreign countries for spreading Shogi are not shared with others. It is a serious problem. A scheme of sharing those information between pro players and Shogi people who spread Shogi.
Also, it is necessary to build a scheme for foreign Shogi players to be able to view those information. I thought it an urgent matter to solve.

We looked forward to meet again at ESC2014(Budapest, Hungary).　
（Ozekia 2014-03-25）

Frank visited Japan 1

Frank Roevekamp, President of FESA, visited Japan on business.
Frank is active as President of FESA and is passionate in deep communication with Japanese Shogi people. I myself received his warm acceptance in March, 2013. I visited his home in Heidelberg , had a chatter and played Shogi game with him.

Mr. Aono, pro 9 dan, invited Frank to dinner in return for Frank’s hospitality when he visited Germany in October, 2013. Mr. Noduki, pro 7 dan, joined. I was invited, too.
(Ozekia 2014-03-23)