南アフリカの将棋会
South African Shogi Kai
WHO ARE WE?
South African Shogi-Kai is the first official Shogi club in South Africa, founded through Nihongo no Niwa Japanese Language School. Our goal is to introduce this iconic Japanese strategy game to new players, create a space for enthusiasts to connect, and grow a vibrant Shogi community in South Africa.
Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced player, we welcome everyone to learn, play, and enjoy Shogi together! Through workshops, casual meetups, and friendly matches, we aim to make Shogi accessible and fun while sharing a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and tradition.
WHAT IS JAPANESE SHOGI?
Shogi (将棋) is a Japanese strategy board game with a deep and fascinating history. Shogi in its present form was played as early as the 16th century, with still earlier iterations dating back to the Kamakura period (c.1210 AD). Often called 'Japanese chess', Shogi has been enjoyed for centuries and remains one of Japan’s most beloved traditional games to this day. Its name 将棋 (shogi) literally means 'General's board game', which reflects the deeply strategic nature of play. Don't let that worry you though! The game is easy to pick up and no kanji knowledge is necessary, as we have beginner resources and instructors available to guide you through the rules and etiquette of the game.
Emperor Shōwa, Empress Kojun, and Prince Akihito playing Shogi, 1955
HOW DO YOU PLAY SHOGI?
Shogi is played on a 9×9 grid board and each player has 20 flat wedge-shaped pentagonal pieces of slightly different sizes. Unlike chess, where captured pieces are removed from play, in Shogi, you can place captured opponent pieces back on the board as your own, leading to a shifting landscape of strategic possibilities! Pieces face forward by having the pointed side of each piece oriented toward the opponent's side – this shows who controls the piece during play. When pieces reach the opponent’s territory, they can be promoted to more powerful versions, much like a pawn reaching the back rank in Western chess.
Shogi starting setup; Black (at bottom) moves first.
WHY LEARN TO PLAY SHOGI?
Shogi is great for sharpening your mind, improving logical thinking and decision-making, and connecting with a stimulating aspect of Japanese culture. Whether you're new to the game or already familiar with the basics, mastering Shogi is a challenge worth undertaking!
Want to learn more? Join us and be part of the Shogi movement in South Africa. Come visit one of our regular Shogi club meetings to experience the game for yourself and to be a part of the first Shogi club in South Africa.
S.A. Shogi Kai Gallery
