Nishiyama Becomes First Female Player to Qualify for Official Shogi Professional Ranks

TOKYO — Shogi player Tomoka Nishiyama on Saturday became the first female player to qualify for entry into the game's official professional "kishi" ranks, according to an announcement from the sport's organizers.

It is the first time in shogi history that a woman has met the requirements to enter the official professional competition system — a tier that has long been open to both men and women but has never included a woman.

The "kishi" ranks represent shogi's highest professional level, separate from the system of professional female players. Nishiyama's qualification marks a turning point for the traditional Japanese mind sport.

Full details of Nishiyama's path and the timing of her formal entry into the kishi ranks have not yet been announced.