South African Shogi Kai: The Club’s Opening Moves & Collaboration with the South African Go Association

“Shogi is like chess… if your captured pieces could switch sides and come back to haunt you!”

Did you know that in Shogi - a Japanese strategy game similar to chess - captured pieces don’t stay off the board for long? Unlike Western chess, players can redeploy their opponent’s captured pieces as their own, a twist that adds layers of strategy and keeps every game dynamic to the very last move. It’s one of the many reasons Shogi has earned its nickname as “the game of generals.”

Now, this fascinating game has made its way to South African audiences. The South African Shogi Kai officially launched its first session on March 1st, 2025, at the Milnerton Library in Cape Town, with a small but enthusiastic group of players eager to learn. Organised by Nihongo no Niwa Japanese Language School for both it's students and for those passionate to learn, the initiative aims to introduce Japanese shogi to local learners, language enthusiasts, and board game fans of all kinds.

Following the successful debut, the second session took place on April 26th, and the momentum is building. Regular meetups are now scheduled at the end of each month, offering a welcoming space where beginners can learn the rules, and returning players can begin unlocking more complex strategies and tactics.

Interest in the club has been steadily growing, and the atmosphere at each session is equal parts focused and fun. There’s something compelling about learning a centuries-old strategy game alongside others just as curious and captivated as we are.

Game Meets Game: A Collaborative Exchange between Shogi and Go

That spirit of connection and curiosity came to life in a special way this May, when members of the South African Shogi Kai gathered for a joint social hosted in collaboration with the South African Go Association. The event was held at the tranquil Nigiro Tea House in Claremont - a cozy location for an afternoon of thought-provoking games and friendly conversation.

The highlight of the day was a visit from KEZUKA Akiko, a high-ranking Go player visiting from Japan, whose deep knowledge and gracious presence offered guests a rare chance to learn directly from a seasoned professional. Akiko-san has been travelling all over the world, playing Go and meeting new friends along the way.

While Go and Shogi differ in form, both share a deep-rooted cultural heritage and strategic elegance, and the event allowed fans of each to appreciate the other in a relaxed, inclusive space.

Guests sipped fragrant tea, exchanged tips and stories, and played friendly rounds of both games in a laid-back atmosphere. The day served as a perfect example of what the South African Shogi Kai hopes to continue fostering: community, culture, and a sense of discovery.

As the club finds its footing and continues to grow, one thing is clear; this is only the opening move.

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Curious to try the game yourself? See the next scheduled sessions and make your first move with South African Shogi Kai: https://www.quicket.co.za/organisers/75890-south-african-shogi-kai