Latest news with #Shogi
Daily Express
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Japan's newest esports champ? A panda-loving grandma
Published on: Sunday, July 20, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 20, 2025 By: Malay Mail Text Size: TOKYO: When 73-year-old Yoshie Murabe ( pic ) picked Panda as her fighter in a national Tekken 8 tournament, her reason was simple: she just likes pandas. What followed was far from simple — Murabe, a grandmother with zero gaming experience, powered through the competition to become Japan's newest esports champion. Advertisement Murabe won hearts and headlines after clinching the top spot at the Amigo Club Cup Tekken 8 Finals, a tournament featuring players aged 60 to 90 from care homes across Japan. Hosted by the Care e-Sports Association, the event was livestreamed and quickly went viral, drawing praise from game streamers, voice actors and viewers nationwide. 'I was happy to win,' Murabe told Tokyo Weekender following her unexpected victory. Asked if anything about the experience was difficult, she replied without hesitation: 'There wasn't anything in particular I found difficult.' During her matches, her mind was clear: 'My only thought was to win.' The event marked a bold step for the Care e-Sports Association, which began in 2019 by hosting tournaments for traditional games like Shogi and Othello . During the Covid-19 pandemic, the group began exploring more modern titles, and this year introduced Tekken 8 to its roster. That move was driven in part by Shinpei Hama, the association's PR rep and a professional Tekken 8 player with Rox3Gaming. 'Some of the participants are living with dementia, but many really enjoyed the game,' Hama told Tokyo Weekender . 'As they chose characters, they seemed to get more attached to them. Some players practiced with passion, saying they wanted to win at least once.' Murabe was among them. Participants were given a month to prepare, and some dove deep — one even clocked in 60 matches in a single night. For Murabe, the experience of picking up a controller for the first time — and finding joy and success — was transformational. 'The response was bigger than anything we've done before,' said Hama. And it wasn't just about gameplay. Many seniors found emotional engagement, focus and confidence through gaming — even those living with cognitive decline. Murabe's story has become the face of a growing movement. As a grandmother competing in a world typically dominated by younger generations, she's proving that age is no barrier to having fun — or winning big. Hama hopes to expand the programme to include other accessible games like GeoGuessr , while continuing to host both modern and traditional tournaments. 'We've realised seniors are better at video games than we assumed,' he said. 'We want to try something that really breaks the mould.' - Malay Mail * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Tokyo Weekender
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
73-Year-Old Grandma Wins Tekken 8 Tournament as Panda
A fierce Tekken 8 tournament featuring players aged between 60 and 90 is gaining attention across Japan, and reshaping what many thought possible for senior citizens in gaming. The event, hosted by the Care e-Sports Association , brought together elderly residents from multiple care homes to compete online in one of the world's most fast-paced fighting games. What began as a small initiative to engage seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic has now evolved into a full-fledged movement, challenging assumptions about aging, digital literacy and the scope of competitive gaming. List of Contents: From Shogi to Tekken More Than a Game A New Vision of Aging Related Posts From Shogi to Tekken Founded in 2019, the Care eSports Association initially organized events centered around classic games such as Shogi and Othello. Five years later, it took a bold step: introducing Tekken 8 to its lineup. The decision was driven in part by the association's PR representative, Shinpei Hama, who also competes professionally in Tekken 8 as part of the Rox3Gaming team. 'Some of the participants are living with dementia, but many really enjoyed the game,' said Hama in an interview with Game Spark . 'As they chose characters, they seemed to get more attached to them. Some players practiced with passion, saying they wanted to win at least once. They had about a month to practice before the event, and a few of them stayed up late into the night, playing about 60 games.' The livestreamed Amigo Club Cup Tekken 8 Finals racked up significant viewership online. 'The response was bigger than anything we've done before,' said Hama. 'Even voice actors and game streamers reached out with praise.' More Than a Game Beyond entertainment, the tournament sparked deep emotional engagement. Some participants were living with cognitive decline, and were able to find joy, attachment and drive through the game. Champion Yoshie Murabe, who had never played video games before, chose Panda as her fighter simply because she likes pandas. Asked by Game Spark about her feelings after the tournament, she said, 'I was happy to win.' While practicing, she said she got the hang of the game quite easily, adding that there wasn't anything in particular she 'found difficult.' During the game, Murabe's only thoughts were to win, and she looks forward to competing in upcoming tournaments beyond Tekken 8 . A New Vision of Aging The success of the Tekken 8 tournament could open new doors for the elderly. Hama hopes to explore more accessible titles, such as GeoGuessr , in future events. 'We've realized seniors are better at video games than we assumed,' he said. 'We still plan to host traditional games like Shogi, but we also want to try something that really breaks the mold.' The tournament didn't just showcase the digital skills of the older generation, it proved that competitive spirit and emotional engagement don't fade with age. The Care eSports Association is turning gaming into a meaningful, intergenerational bridge and the players are ready for that. Related Posts Middle-Aged Man Trading Cards Go Viral in Rural Japan Town Nike Collaborates With Tekken To Produce a Shoe Befitting a Main Protagonist Kick Back With Some Cocktails at This Tekken 8 Bar in Kyoto
Japan Forward
12-07-2025
- Japan Forward
Hidden Wonders: Watch Steam Locomotives in Action in Tochigi
このページを 日本語 で読む Shimo-Imaichi Station, located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a popular destination for railway enthusiasts. One of its main attractions is the SL Taiju, a steam train service that brings nostalgic charm to the area. The station's retro-style building is designed to evoke the Showa era, a time when steam trains were still part of daily life. One of the highlights for visitors is the chance to watch steam locomotives being turned around on a turntable, a rare and memorable experience for both children and adults. Shimo-Imaichi Station, popular among railway fans, in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. On a Saturday afternoon, the SL Taiju bound for Kinugawa Onsen Station arrived at Platform 4 with a loud whistle. Passengers who had been eagerly waiting began taking photos with their smartphones and cameras. A company employee visiting from Fukushima with his wife shared his excitement: "It feels like a one-of-a-kind experience. I've always wanted to try it at least once. It's my first time seeing a steam locomotive up close, and the sound of the whistle is incredibly powerful." A French tourist visiting Nikko added, "It's very beautiful," as she snapped photos of the train. Shogi player Sota Fujii on a steam locomotive inside the engine shed at Tobu Railway's Shimo-Imaichi Station in Nikko, Tochigi, on June 4. (©Sankei by Kazuya Kamogawa) The SL Taiju began service in August 2017, operating on the Kinugawa Line between Shimo-Imaichi Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station. Covering 12.4 kilometers in about 35 minutes, the route was initially powered by the "C11 207" locomotive, which was on loan from JR Hokkaido. In 2020, the "C11 325" joined the lineup, followed by the "C11 123" in 2022. Today, a total of three steam locomotives are in active service. In response to local requests, a new route was launched in 2020 on the Nikko Line between Shimo-Imaichi and Tobu-Nikko Station. This 7.1-kilometer journey takes about 20 minutes. The SL Taiju pulls three passenger cars with a total of 200 seats. Tobu Railway once operated 60 steam locomotives and earned the nickname "Kingdom of Steam." It was the last major private railway company in Japan to run steam trains, ending service in 1966. Shogi player Sota Fujii blows the whistle from the driver's cab of a steam locomotive at Tobu Railway's Shimo-Imaichi engine depot in Nikko, Tochigi, on June 4. (©Sankei by Shigetaka Doi) The steam locomotive revival was launched to help revitalize tourism in the Nikko and Kinugawa areas, which had seen a decline following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The project received support from JR and other partners. In 2012, remnants of an old turntable were discovered at Shimo-Imaichi Station, sparking interest in bringing back steam service. The station underwent significant renovations to reflect the atmosphere of the Showa era. Passenger cars were refurbished with period-inspired seat upholstery and curtains. Staff uniforms for conductors, engineers, and station workers were also redesigned to match the retro aesthetic. Outside the station, wooden benches provide a quiet space to sit and relax. Inside, the waiting room near the ticket gates displays Showa-era posters, and warm lighting fixtures contribute to the vintage atmosphere. In recognition of its design, the station received the Wood Design Award in 2018. The station's old pedestrian footbridge, now a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, has been transformed into a retro gallery. It features vintage promotional posters and a plaque highlighting the footbridge's cultural significance. Shogi players Sota Fujii and Kazuo Sugimoto pose for a photo in front of the "SL Taiju" inside the engine shed at Tobu Railway's Shimo-Imaichi Station in Nikko, Tochigi, on June 4. (©Sankei by Shigetaka Doi) A key attraction for train fans is the turntable, located within the station grounds. Several times a day, visitors can watch the steam locomotive being rotated on the historic turntable. Nearby, a small exhibition hall displays nameplates from past locomotives and photographs of trains that once operated in the Nikko and Kinugawa area. Visitors can also learn about how steam engines work. The most popular bento sold at Shimo-Imaichi Station is the "Nikko Buried Treasure Bento," themed after the SL Taiju . This two-tier boxed meal includes chirashi sushi, simmered Nikko Highland beef, fried yuba (tofu skin), vegetables, and a miniature coal-scoop-shaped spoon. Due to its popularity, it often sells out by midday. As of March 2024, the SL Taiju had carried over 500,000 passengers. The train and the station continue to support tourism and bring energy to the surrounding area. Shimo-Imaichi Station opened in 1929 and is located in the Shimomachi district of what was once Imaichi Town. Operated by Tobu Railway, it serves both the Nikko Line and the Kinugawa Line. From Tokyo's Asakusa Station, the trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes by the Limited Express Spacia X. The SL Taiju has been in operation since August 2017. Author: Toshiyuki Izawa, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Tatler Asia
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
8 historic board games that originated in Asia
2. Shogi (Japan, approximately 8th century) Above Shogi (Photo: Mahmoud Adel / Unsplash) If Western chess is war with honour, shogi is war with espionage, betrayal and reincarnation. Known as Japanese chess, shogi was played by samurai and is still a cultural mainstay, with televised tournaments and manga fame (see: March Comes in Like a Lion ). What makes shogi interesting is how captured pieces switch sides. Your opponent's bishop, for example, can become your assassin. Brutal, poetic and very Kill Bill . Where to play it now: Try shogi apps or dive into the real-deal woodboard version sold at Tokyo's Nakamura Jōki shop (established 1859). You can also stream a match and watch pros in kimonos face off like it's an intellectual WWE showdown. 3. Xiangqi (China, 12th to 13th century AD) Above Xiangqi (Photo: Vyacheslav Koval / Unsplash) Xiangqi is what happens when military strategy meets Taoist thinking. The gameboard mimics a battlefield, complete with a 'river' that divides the two armies and 'palaces' to protect the king (general). Cannons jump over pieces to attack, and elephants can't cross water. As far as board games go, it can be fast, fierce and is often played by shirtless uncles in the parks of Beijing, where he will obliterate you in around 40 moves. Where to play it now: Visit Hong Kong's Victoria Park or Taipei's chess squares. See more: Game on! Spice up your group outings with these fun board games 4. Makruk (Thailand, 12th to 14th century) Above Makruk (Photo: B20180 / Wikimedia Commons) Makruk is Thailand's elegant version of chess, and many argue it's even closer to the game's original Indian ancestor, chaturanga (which we'll discuss later). Here, pawns turn into queens, pieces have more limited range and endgames are more strategic than chaotic. It's like playing chess in a tuxedo—more refined, less brutal. Unlike many of these board games, which have gone to obscurity, Thai kids still learn makruk at school, and the game is often played at temples or during quiet family gatherings. It is less performative than Western chess, but just as savage underneath. Where to play it now: Look for local chess cafés in Bangkok or visit Some luxury hotels even offer makruk boards in their libraries. 5. Pachisi (India, 4th century CE) Above Pachisi (Photo: Jan Ranft / Unsplash) Pachisi, also known as the royal game of India, is over 1,000 years old and was reportedly played with live courtiers as pawns at Emperor Akbar's palace. The cross-shaped board symbolises karma and fate, and the game blends chance (cowrie shells were used instead of dice) with strategy. It later inspired Ludo, Sorry! and every friendship-ending move in Parcheesi. Think of it as the chic, ancient ancestor of modern party games, but with better outfits and more drama. Where to play it now: You'll still find hand-painted pachisi boards in Rajasthan's artisan markets. You can also download a digital version to play while waiting for your turmeric latte. 6. Hanafuda (Japan, 18th century) Above Hanafuda (Photo: Marcus Richert / Wikimedia Commons) When Western playing cards were banned in Japan, gamblers and rebels made their own. Enter hanafuda, or 'flower cards'. Each card represents a month with poetic floral illustrations (think cherry blossoms, irises, maple leaves). It's part memory game, part art appreciation. Where to play it now: You can still buy exquisite hanafuda decks in Kyoto (Nintendo, which started as a hanafuda card manufacturer, makes them) or download apps to play. Koi-Koi is its most famous variant. 7. Chaturanga (India, 6th century) Above Chaturanga (Photo: Chaturaji / Wikimedia Commons) Long before pawns dreamed of promotions and bishops cut across diagonals, there was chaturanga, the grandfather of board games. It's a game of military strategy from ancient India that would go on to become chess as the world knows it. Played on an eight-by-eight board and featuring four divisions of the Indian army (infantry, cavalry, elephants and chariots), chaturanga mimicked battlefield tactics in turn-based form. It travelled westward to Persia (where it became shatranj), passed through the Islamic world and eventually reached medieval Europe, picking up queens, bishops and castles along the way. While modern chess has shed many of its Sanskrit roots, the soul of the game remains distinctly Asian. And in case you're wondering: yes, the term 'checkmate' is derived from the Persian 'shāh māt'—meaning 'the king is helpless'. Where to play it now: Modern recreations of chaturanga can be found in historical gaming museums or online platforms. For a cultural deep dive, some Indian museums and game cafés host traditional board game nights featuring ancient classics like chaturanga, pachisi and moksha patamu. Don't miss: Filipino-made card games to know: Manila 2076, Politricks, and more 8. Mahjong (China, mid-1800s) Above Mahjong (Photo: Jing Bo Wang / Unsplash) Some say mahjong is a game, others say it's a lifestyle. Born in the Qing Dynasty and codified in the 19th century, mahjong combines memory, strategy, luck and the kind of family feuds that only a four-player table can inspire. With its beautifully etched tiles and hypnotic clacking, mahjong isn't just played, it's performed. The game reflects Confucian ideals of harmony and balance, and its complexity has kept generations hooked across Asia and beyond. Mahjong travelled with Chinese diaspora communities in the early 20th century and was quickly embraced in the West, particularly among Jewish American women in the 1920s (a love affair that still thrives today). Today, it's both highbrow and homey: fashion houses like Valentino and Gucci have created mahjong-inspired accessories, and luxury game sets can run into the thousands. Where to play it now: Drop by Hong Kong or Shanghai teahouses or Taiwanese night markets where you'll find old masters and eager rookies locked in all-day tile battles. You can also check Chinatown communities worldwide. Whether it's NYC or Vancouver, mahjong parlours remain social hubs. Brands like Mahjong Line have also given the game a Gen-Z facelift with colourful redesigns and Instagram-friendly sets.
