A café and dojo named “KINONE” opened in a new Shogi Hall in Tokyo on October 1 to help people experience the appeal of shogi.  

Located in front of JR Sendagaya Station, the newly renovated Shogi Hall attracted many shogi fans.  

Sato Yasumitsu, a 9th-dan shogi master who supervised the coffee, served as the café’s manager for the day.  

The café offered cappuccinos named after Japan Shogi Association Chairman Habu Yoshiharu and Sato Yasumitsu himself.  

S/ Sato Yasumitsu, 9th-dan shogi master: The name “KINONE” also means “root of the tree,” symbolizing the idea that this location will be a place to communicate the current state of the shogi world and its future.  

At the dojo, a shogi tournament was held, and many young students, who were off from school due to Tokyo Citizens’ Day, participated.  

S/ 4th-grade student with 4-year-shogi experience: I want to become a shogi pro and stand out like seven-title holder Fujii Sota.  

The dojo remains open until 9 p.m. allowing people to enjoy shogi even after work.