The Fall of the Undefeated Meijin
The Final Curtain for a Legend
In Showa 12, 63-year-old Honinbo Shusai Meijin, long revered as the embodiment of Japanese Go mastery, announced his retirement due to declining health. As a tribute to his legendary career, the Nihon Ki-in, backed by Tokyo Nichi Nichi Shimbun, arranged a ceremonial farewell match. Given that Shusai had lost no official game in over a decade, with victories over Junichi Karigane and Go Seigen, he had earned the near-mythical title of "The Undefeated Meijin."
A Nation Watches: The Selection of a Challenger
The quest to determine Shusai's final opponent captivated the Go community. An official one-year-long challenger selection league was held. Among the participants were Kato Shin, Suzuki Tamejiro, Sugiuchi Masao, Kitani Minoru, Kubomatsu Katsukiyo, and Segoe Kensaku. Kitani emerged victorious, defeating even his mentors to earn the honor of facing the Meijin. His victory symbolized not just personal ambition, but a generational shift.
Buried Grudges and Vying Ambitions
Among the fiercest competitors were Suzuki and Segoe, each harboring personal reasons to challenge the Meijin. Suzuki had a historical score against Shusai and viewed this as a chance for ultimate vindication. Segoe had previously managed only a jigo against the Meijin despite being a top contender. Kitani's selection came as a shock, particularly to Suzuki, who saw the opportunity slip away forever.
The Duel Begins: Ceremony and Symbolism
The match opened on June 26 at the Koyoan in Shiba. It was a highly ritualized affair, complete with a formal opening ceremony—a rarity in professional Go. Shusai, clad in formal attire, cut a dignified figure despite his frail health. Kitani, meanwhile, was stoic and respectful but internally burning with a desire to mark a new era.
Old Traditions, New Tactics
Kitani surprised spectators by choosing traditional opening moves instead of the innovative shin-fuseki he had helped pioneer with Go Seigen. Whether this was a gesture of respect or a strategy remains debated. The air was thick with tension as the Meijin made his move—a slow but calculated beginning that contrasted sharply with Kitani's more fluid style.
The Longevity of the Match: A Testament to Stamina
In an unprecedented decision, each player was allotted 40 hours, and the game would proceed over months, with only one session every four days. Sealed moves and rigorous restrictions on outside contact highlighted the gravitas of the event. The prolonged schedule reflected not just a test of skill but of endurance and will.
A War of Wills: From Tokyo to Hakone
The game moved locations multiple times, eventually reaching Nara-ya in Hakone. Kitani began to display his stamina advantage as the Meijin's health visibly deteriorated. Even so, Shusai remained fiercely dignified. His composure, even while physically frail, was lauded as an embodiment of the Meijin spirit.
Tension Peaks: The Final Hands
As the match wore on, the contrast between the players' use of time became glaring. Kitani meticulously calculated every move, often disappearing for extended breaks, a habit that perplexed spectators. In contrast, Shusai, often battling severe pain and fatigue, played with rapid clarity when needed but showed signs of physical and emotional exhaustion.
The Breaking Point: A Mysterious Move
The turning point came when Kitani sealed a controversial move (Black 121) that seemingly sidestepped a central fight. Upon its revelation, the room fell into confusion and disapproval. Even Shusai reportedly grew furious, interpreting it as dishonorable. Yet, in retrospect, the move proved to be brilliantly timed, unsettling the Meijin's balance.
Collapse of the White Wall
As Kitani pressed forward with fierce and precise attacking moves, Shusai's defense faltered. A critical misstep—White 130—allowed Kitani to break through. The crowd sensed the tide had irrevocably turned. Analysts agree that Shusai’s collapse here was psychological as much as strategic.
The Final Resignation: An Era Ends
On December 4, 1937, after 329 moves and over six months, Kitani emerged victorious. The Meijin, pale and physically diminished, resigned the game. "How much time did I use?" he asked quietly before disturbing the stones on the board—a symbolic gesture marking the end of an epoch.
Epilogue: Legacy and Reflection
A year later, on January 18, 1940, Honinbo Shusai passed away in Atami. His last match became a symbol of generational change, ushering in the dynamic Showa era of Japanese Go. Though he died in defeat, his dignity, resilience, and influence endured. The "undefeated Meijin" had fallen, but not in vain.
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Copyright Notice
This English adaptation is based on Japanese Go Stories (《日本围棋故事》, 2016) by Xue Zhicheng (薛至诚).
For non-commercial use only: Shared for educational purposes under fair use.
Rights retained: All copyrights belong to the original author and cited sources.
Modifications: Minor narrative adjustments were made for readability; all historical content remains accurate.
No affiliation or endorsement: This work is independent and unaffiliated with the original author or publishers.
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References
Adapted from:
Xue Zhicheng (薛至诚), Japanese Go Stories (《日本围棋故事》), 2016.
Cited in original work:
Watanabe Hideo (渡辺英夫), Shin Zaigin Dansō (《新坐隱談叢》)
Watanabe Yoshimichi (渡部義通), Kodai Igo no Sekai (《古代囲碁の世界》)
Lin Yu (林裕), Weiqi Encyclopedia (《围棋百科辞典》)
