Kanren Meets a Phantom Master
Spring Reflections and a Master’s Regret
It was spring in Kyoto—blossoms blooming, the air sweet and warm. The monk Kanren, Japan’s most revered Go master, was returning to his temple after another game at the imperial palace.
As his carriage rolled through the countryside, he looked out at the endless fields, deep in thought.
He had just defeated the emperor once again. And once again, he felt... hollow.
“No challenge left,” he murmured. “What’s the point of a board if there’s no worthy opponent?”
A Mysterious Invitation
Just then, a girl appeared by the roadside. Young, graceful, and smiling, she gestured toward Kanren’s attendant as if delivering a message.
Kanren sent the boy to speak with her. Moments later, the attendant returned.
“She says her mistress lives nearby,” the boy explained. “She wishes to speak with you. It’s urgent.”
Kanren hesitated. Who could this be? But his schedule was free, and his curiosity piqued. He nodded. “Very well. Take me to her.”
The Hidden Garden
The girl led them down a narrow path that opened into a secluded estate, surrounded by pine trees and blooming cherry blossoms. The house was modest, but peaceful—its walls framed in bamboo, its air cool and fragrant.
It felt untouched by time.
But there was something strange. The entire property was silent. No servants, no voices, no signs of life—only the wind in the trees.
When they reached the entrance, the girl bowed and said, “Please, step inside. My mistress awaits.”
A Voice Behind the Curtain
Inside, the house was elegantly sparse. A faint scent of incense lingered. Against the far wall hung a bamboo curtain, and in front of it sat a Go board, already set with two bowls of stones. But there was no opponent in sight.
Then, a voice spoke—soft and clear from behind the curtain. A woman’s voice.
“Master Kanren,” she said, “your skill is known across the land. I’ve long wished to challenge you. My father once taught me to play, but after his death, I had no one left. When I heard you were passing nearby, I sent for you. Will you grant me this match?”
Kanren smiled. A young lady, asking to play? It seemed innocent enough. “Shall I give you a few handicap stones?” he offered, half-teasing.
“No need,” she replied. “But please, place both bowls of stones beside you.”
He hesitated. “Both?”
“Yes,” she said calmly. “I’ll tell you where to place my stones.”
An Unusual Match Begins
A moment later, a slender white stick emerged from behind the curtain. It pointed directly at the center of the board—Tengen, the middle point.
“Place my first stone there,” she said.
Kanren blinked. Such a bold move, especially without permission, was seen as disrespectful. In traditional Go etiquette, only the more experienced player would start there.
Still, he let it go.
They began to play. She pointed with the stick, and he placed her stones. Then he played his own.
At first, he didn’t take it seriously. But a few moves in, something changed.
Her plays were strange, quiet, and indirect. Yet with each turn, her stones wove a web, pressing in on him. Traps formed. Options vanished.
He sat up straighter. His brow furrowed.
A Game of Shadows
What began as a game became a test of survival.
Kanren pushed his skills to the limit, countering, adapting, and fighting to breathe on the board. But the more he played, the deeper her traps became. Every strategy he tried was unraveled with grace and ease.
He was sweating now.
“She’s... not just good,” he thought. “She’s... impossible.”
And all the while, the curtain stayed closed. He could see only a faint silhouette—a woman, unmoving.
Her voice remained calm. “One more game?” she asked sweetly. “Just one more...”
Flight from the Unknown
That was the moment it hit him.
This was no ordinary woman.
His skin went cold. His heart pounded. A lifetime of Buddhist study had not prepared him for this.
Without a word, he sprang to his feet, leaving the board mid-game. He ran out of the house barefoot, leapt into his carriage, and shouted to his driver:
“Go! Now!”
Gone Without a Trace
Emperor Daigo heard the tale the next morning and sent officials to investigate. When they arrived, the estate was nearly empty.
Only a lone elderly nun remained, sweeping the veranda.
“She stayed here a few nights,” the nun said quietly. “A traveler from far away. She left last night.”
The Go board was gone. So was the girl. All that remained was a whisper of cherry blossoms and a mystery no one could explain.
Legends Live On
Kanren never spoke of it again.
Some say it was a spirit; others, a test from the divine. But one thing is certain—he never forgot that game.
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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.
Contact: For verification or takedown requests, please email help@zeejyan.com.
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》)
