Question from a Reader:
Is the female shogi player Nishiyama, who participated in the NHK Cup, truly strong?
Considering Nishiyama’s Strength
Recently, Nishiyama’s participation in the NHK Cup has been a hot topic of discussion. There’s a lot of debate about her abilities, and it makes one curious just how strong she really is. I’d like to reflect on this a
bit.
Strength of a Former Shogi Apprentice
Nishiyama is a former 3-dan in the shogi apprentice system and reportedly holds a runner-up position as well. Being accepted into the apprentice system proves her seriousness and skill in shogi. I remember the times when I played shogi with my friends during my school days. One of them was the ace of the shogi club, while I was just an amateur. Winning against him was a distant dream. Nishiyama likely represents that kind of formidable presence.
Episode from the Special Selection Exam
An interesting episode is that she made it to the full set during the special selection exam. I recall having pulled all-nighters while studying for exams multiple times. There were moments when I bought snacks at a convenience store late at night with friends, only to end up unprepared and exhausted on the day of the test. Nishiyama’s ability to perform under the pressure of the exam speaks volumes about her focus and skill.
Feeling of Strength
Evaluated to be around the middle C2 level compared to other players, Nishiyama is indeed one of the strongest among current female shogi players. From the perspective of an amateur 1-dan like myself, her strength surpasses my imagination. Each time I play shogi, I am reminded of my own limitations. Nishiyama is a far stronger presence than my 99.9999% of effort.
In Conclusion
I believe it’s essential to refine one’s abilities in any field, not just shogi. Knowing that individuals like Nishiyama exist, who combine hard work and talent, motivates me to strive harder. In the future, I dream of becoming someone who can influence those around me, much like she does. What do you all think? If you have any thoughts on Nishiyama or memories related to shogi, I’d love to hear them in the comments!
