Sota Fujii competes in Kumamoto reconstruction support shogi match

Shogi professional Sota Fujii participated in the Kumamoto Reconstruction Support Match at Kumamoto Castle Hall on September 12, 2026. The event, part of the JT Pro Official Tournament, was relocated to Kumamoto City following the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake.

In a highly competitive match, Fujii was defeated by Yahaya Yata in 108 moves after an initial game ended in a draw (sennichite). Yata, making his first appearance in the tournament, secured a spot in the best four. The event included messages of support for the region's recovery and exhibition matches by other professional players.