Tomoka Nishiyama becomes Japan’s first female professional shogi player

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Tomoka Nishiyama has become Japan’s first female professional shogi player to achieve the highest rank of “kishi,” breaking a century-old gender barrier in the male-dominated game. Her promotion highlights growing efforts to foster gender equality in shogi, coinciding with recent rule changes that remove restrictions on pregnant and nursing female players competing at top levels.

Tomoka Nishiyama has become Japan’s first female professional shogi player, breaking a century-old gender barrier in a game traditionally dominated by men. At 31 years old, Nishiyama’s promotion to the rank of “kishi,” the highest professional status in shogi, marks a significant milestone in the sport. Until now, women competed primarily in separate, female-only divisions known as joryu, while the kishi class has been overwhelmingly male.

Shogi, often referred to as Japanese chess, is a strategic board game with roots stretching back nearly a thousand years. The game is played on an 81-square board using 20 wooden pieces per player, featuring ranks such as lancers, silver generals, and unique promotion rules. A distinctive feature is the ability to reuse captured opponent pieces. Despite its similarities to chess, shogi’s highest competitions have remained a male stronghold, partly due to long-standing cultural assumptions regarding women’s aptitude for the game.

Nishiyama’s achievement is all the more notable against this backdrop. Historically, women in shogi have faced considerable barriers, including social biases that questioned their intellectual capacity for the game. In 1986, a male player was quoted dismissing women’s suitability for shogi, suggesting they were better suited for simpler games and should focus on traditional gender roles. Moreover, female players were formally excluded from competing in professional matches if pregnant or nursing.

The Japan Shogi Association recently lifted a controversial rule that had barred pregnant or nursing women from participating in title matches scheduled within a specific window around childbirth. Until December 2025, female players faced automatic replacement if their matches overlapped with this period. The policy was defended as compliance with labor laws and based on practical concerns related to traditional attire and match conditions, which require players to sit for extended periods wearing kimonos. However, critics argued the rule unfairly hindered female players’ careers and progression.

The change followed protests from prominent player Kana Fukuma, who was unable to compete for two titles due to pregnancy restrictions. Fukuma stressed the importance of creating an environment in which women can pursue the highest levels of achievement without discrimination or additional hurdles.

Nishiyama expressed her ambitions following her promotion, stating her desire to compete against stronger opponents and reach even greater heights in the game. Her advancement not only challenges long-held perceptions but also represents a step toward greater inclusivity and equality within the traditionally male-dominated world of professional shogi.

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