Shogi - Japanese Chess Workshop for Beginners
Sunday 10 May 2026 / 1:30pm
Date
Sunday 10 May 2026
This workshop takes place alongside the Inter City Shogi Cup. Click here to learn more.
Time
13:00-15:30 (Registration open at 12:30)
Introduction to Shogi (13:00–13:45)
Friendly practice matches (14:00–15:30)
Venue
Orleans Park School
Richmond Rd
Twickenham
London TW1 3BA
By Rail: 12-minute walk from Twickenham Station (South Western Railway); 20 minutes from London Waterloo or central London
By Bus: 3-minute walk from Orleans Park School (Stop E); 40–50 minutes from Heathrow Airport
Booking Details
Booking essential – £10 per adult; Free for 18 or under*
*This workshop is open to beginners and recommended for ages 14+. Younger children may attend with an accompanying adult; however, please note that the event is not suitable for children under 8.
Please note that spaces are limited and so early booking is recommended.
To coincide with the Inter City Shogi Cup 2026 in London, The Japan Society is delighted to co‑host a beginner‑friendly workshop led by Yasushi Ishikawa, a certified Teaching Professional 4dan. Taking place within the main tournament venue, the workshop will run alongside matches played by other participants, offering attendees the opportunity to experience the lively and friendly atmosphere of the event. Building on the success of our Discover the World of Shogi in 2025, the event will offer a wide range of participants the chance to explore and enjoy the engaging world of shogi.
Shogi—often described as Japanese chess—is a traditional strategy game with a history spanning over a thousand years. Played on a 9×9 board, each player commands twenty pieces, aiming to capture the opponent’s king.
What makes shogi distinctive is its dynamic gameplay: captured pieces switch sides and can be dropped back onto the board, creating constantly evolving positions and dramatic turnarounds. Combined with piece promotion, these rules make shogi fluid, creative, and full of strategic depth—even at beginner level.
This welcoming workshop is open to complete beginners of all ages. Participants will learn the basics, try friendly matches, and enjoy an engaging introduction to one of Japan’s most fascinating board games. No prior experience is required.
Born in February 1994, Yasushi Ishikawa learned shogi at the age of six. He spent eight years (2007–2015) training in the Japan Shogi Association’s professional apprentice school, Shoreikai (奨励会), where he reached the rank of 3-dan. In 2023, he was certified as a Teaching Professional (Shidō Kishi) 4-dan by the Japan Shogi Association. He conducts shogi promotion activities both in person and online, with a strong focus on spreading the game overseas—especially throughout Europe.
If you have any questions, please call the Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996 or email us at: events@japansociety.org.uk.
In partnership with:
Kotaro Hirota
Booking info
- Providing Details in the Booking Form
Please enter the full name and email address for each attendee in the booking form. If you're booking as a member, please provide the email address associated with your membership so we can match your information in our system. - Age requirements
This workshop is open to beginners and recommended for ages 14+. Younger children may attend with an accompanying adult; however, please note that the event is not suitable for children under 8.Free places are limited. If you are no longer able to attend, you must let us know as early as possible so your place can be offered to someone on the waiting list. - Booking Confirmation
You should receive an automated email from The Japan Society confirming your booking. If you don't receive any confirmation emails, please check your spam folder or email events@japansociety.org.uk. We will send you the details to attend the event closer to the date. - Cancellation Policy
The cancellation deadline for this event is noon Friday 1 May 2026. If you cancel your place(s) after this time, we will attempt to resell your ticket(s). If we are unable to resell your ticket(s) unfortunately we will not be able to offer a refund. - Waiting List
If tickets are sold out, you can sign up for the Waiting List. We will contact you if a spot becomes available.