南アフリカ将棋会
SOUTH AFRICAN SHО̄GI KAI
WHO ARE WE?
South African Shо̄gi-Kai is the first official Shо̄gi 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 Shо̄gi community in South Africa.
Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced player, we welcome everyone to learn, play, and enjoy Shо̄gi together! Through workshops, casual meetups, and friendly matches, we aim to make Shо̄gi accessible and fun while sharing a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and tradition.
WHAT IS JAPANESE SHŌGI?
Shо̄gi (将棋) is a Japanese strategy board game with a deep and fascinating history. Shо̄gi 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', Shо̄gi has been enjoyed for centuries and remains one of Japan’s most beloved traditional games to this day. Its name 将棋 (shо̄gi) 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 Shо̄gi, 1955
HOW DO YOU PLAY SHŌGI?
Shо̄gi 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 Shо̄gi, 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.
Shо̄gi starting setup; Black (at bottom) moves first.
WHY LEARN TO PLAY SHŌGI?
Shо̄gi 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 Shо̄gi is a challenge worth undertaking!
Want to learn more? Join us and be part of the Shо̄gi movement in South Africa. Come visit one of our regular Shо̄gi club meetings to experience the game for yourself and to be a part of the first Shо̄gi club in South Africa.
S.A. Shо̄gi Kai Gallery
