Kinjiro Sekine

Shogi player. Born in Higashihoshubana, Chiba Prefecture (now Noda City). Became a disciple of the 11th Meijin Ito Muneya at the age of 11. During a slump in the world of shogi, he traveled around the country to train and discover new disciples. In 1905 (Meiji 38), he became 8th dan, and in 1921 (Taisho 10), he became the 13th Meijin. In 1935 (Showa 10), he abandoned the hereditary system of the Meijin title, retired himself, implemented the system of a Meijin title based on ability, and established the newspaper tournaments that continue to this day. He was a bossy and humane man, and has left behind many anecdotes from his pilgrimage in the world of shogi, including his match against Sakata Miyoshi. He also devoted himself to training the next generation, and among his pupils were such famous players as Doi Ichitaro, Kon Yasujiro, Hanada Chotaro, and Kimura Yoshio. Many players born in the Meiji and Taisho eras, not just his direct pupils, were influenced by him. His commentary on the Meijin match, "You should play as smoothly as a spring breeze," his calm and composed sitting position, and his warmth all showed the dignity of a great master. His gravestone, shaped like a shogi piece, can be found in Higashihojuka, Noda City.

[Harada Yasuo]

"Japanese Shogi Series 13" edited by Yoshio Kimura et al. (1980, Chikuma Shobo)

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

将棋棋士。千葉県東宝珠花(ひがしほうしゅばな)（現野田市）の生まれ。11歳で11世伊藤宗印名人に入門。棋界の不振時代に全国を行脚(あんぎゃ)、修行し、弟子の発掘に尽くした。1905年（明治38）8段、21年（大正10）13世名人となる。35年（昭和10）名人世襲制度を捨て、自ら引退して実力名人制を実施し、現代に続く新聞棋戦を確立した。親分肌で人間味にあふれ、対阪田三吉戦をはじめ棋道行脚に数多くの逸話を残す。後進の育成にも尽力し、門下には土居市太郎、金易二郎(こんやすじろう)、花田長太郎、木村義雄(よしお)など名棋士を出している。直門に限らず明治・大正生まれの棋士には彼に指導感化された者が多い。関根流の「春風のやうにさらりと指すべし」の名人戦講評、泰然とした正座対局、あふれる人情味は、大名人の風格があった。野田市東宝珠花に将棋の駒をかたどった墓碑がある。

［原田泰夫］

『木村義雄他監修『日本将棋大系13』（1980・筑摩書房）』

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