The Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan’s largest newspaper, will sponsor Game 1 of the 50th Kisei Finals between reigning titleholder Ichiriki Ryo and challenger Shibano Toramaru in Honolulu on January 22–23, 2026, at the invitation of the State of Hawaiʻi. The Kisei Title is considered Japan’s most prestigious honor in professional Go.
For decades, Game 1 of the Kisei Finals has occasionally been held overseas to broaden global interest in the ancient strategy game. Hawaiʻi last hosted the opening match in 1997, and its return marks the first overseas Kisei game in 12 years, following the 2014 match in Spain. This year’s event will be the third time Hawaiʻi has been selected—more than any other location outside Japan.
A delegation of 13 professional Go players will travel to Honolulu to support the championship with public activities, teaching programs, and commentary. Among the featured guests are:
- Michael Redmond, the only American-born 9-dan professional
- Saeka Iwata, providing live match commentary
- Han-Chieh Lin, hosting live YouTube analysis
- Yimin Hsieh, holder of 27 women’s Go titles, playing teaching games with the community
Yomiuri Travel will also bring a group of amateur Go enthusiasts from Japan, who will challenge local players in U.S.–Japan friendship matches throughout the event.
While the official title match will be held at the Prince Waikiki, all community activities—including classes, teaching games, and live commentary—will take place at the Sheraton Waikiki and are free to the public. Programming includes sessions designed especially for beginners and children.
Contact Honolulu Go Club at honolulugoclub@gmail.com for more information and to sign up for the events at the Sheraton.
Schedule of Public Events
Thursday, January 22, 2026 – Sheraton Waikiki
Go Classes (beginners and children included)
• 1:00–2:30 PM
• 3:00–5:00 PM
• 5:30–8:30 PM
Teaching Games
• 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
• 5:30–7:30 PM
Kisei Game Live Commentary
• 3:00–5:00 PM
Friday, January 23, 2026 – Sheraton Waikiki
Simultaneous Games vs. Professionals
• 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Japan–U.S. Friendship Games
• 1:00–2:30 PM
Kisei Game Live Commentary
• 1:00–2:30 PM
• 3:00–6:00 PM
• 6:00–8:00 PM
The Hawaiʻi event is presented locally by JAL and Suntory. Community partners include the Japan-America Society of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Tourism Japan, iQ360, JERA Americas, Center for Japanese Studies, Honolulu Go Club, Punahou Go Club, Pacific Buddhist Academy Go Club, University of Hawaiʻi Go Club, and the East-West Center Go Club.