Stories of Go
Articles are adapted from multiple historical sources and originally written in Chinese and Japanese. AI tools were used to assist with translation and narrative structuring, followed by manual editing for accuracy and clarity.
While every effort has been made to reflect historical details faithfully, some elements have been stylized for storytelling purposes.
How the Honinbo Title Was Born
Discover the real story behind the Honinbo title—how a monk named Sansa earned the respect of samurai warlords and founded Japan’s most prestigious Go lineage.
Kanren Meets a Phantom Master
Discover the haunting true story of Kanren, Japan’s legendary Go monk, and his mysterious match against an unseen opponent. A timeless tale of mastery and mystery.
The Contest of the Golden Pillow
The Go Saint and the Emperor’s Golden Pillow tells the spellbinding story of a monk who bested Japan’s emperor in Go, tricked palace guards, and left a legacy of wisdom and wit.