Exciting Events at the Upcoming Takatsuki Shogi Festival 2026

The Takatsuki Shogi Festival, a vibrant celebration of the traditional Japanese board game shogi, is set to take place in Osaka's Takatsuki City on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Held at the scenic Amano Ruins Park, this festival promises a full day of engaging activities that cater to shogi enthusiasts of all ages.

Registration Now Open

The festival committee has launched pre-registration for a variety of programs available during the event. Interested participants can sign up through the official Takatsuki Shogi Festival website until August 31, 2026. Due to high demand, many activities are lottery-based, and participants will be notified via email regarding the outcome.

Featured Programs

1. Parent-Child Guidance Matches: A fantastic opportunity for families to learn shogi alongside professional players. Parents and their children can engage in friendly matches while honing their skills.
2. Tsume Shogi Workshop: This is a perfect chance to dive into the intricate world of tsume shogi. Participants will learn strategic methods from experienced players and experience the thrill of solving these challenging puzzles.
3. Hanitans Shogi Classroom: Engage in fun lessons and matches using the exciting Hanitans shogi toy, designed to introduce newer players to the game.
4. Signings by Megumi Ina: Fans won’t want to miss the chance to meet Megumi Ina, the artist behind the popular comic “Shogi no Watanabe-kun,” during her signing session.

In addition to these programs, the festival features a host of activities at the main stage located in front of the Park Center. There will be live shogi matches, guest talks by professional shogi players, tasty shogi-themed food stands, and sales of shogi-related books and merchandise. Visitors can also experience riding the Takatsuki Shogi Liner bus and try their hand at making custom shogi pieces!

Event Overview

- Date: October 17, 2026 (Saturday)
- Time: 9:45 AM to 5:00 PM (subject to change)
- Location: Amano Ruins Park, 12-3 Hachinawatecho, Takatsuki City, Osaka
- Admission: Free

Exciting Features of the Festival

The festival will include:

- Public shogi matches featuring pair competitions
- Talks by prominent shogi players and guests
- Family guidance matches (registration required)
- Tsume shogi workshop (registration required)
- Signing event by comic artist Megumi Ina (registration required)
- Custom piece-making experience
- Free match corners

Confirmed Players

The festival is expected to feature renowned players such as:

- Koji Tanigawa (17th Title Holder)
- Akira Watanabe (9th Dan)
- Bun'go Fukuzaki (9th Dan)
- Takayuki Yamazaki (9th Dan)
- Tenhiko Sato (9th Dan)

And many more well-known professionals and female players!

Special Guest Appearance

- Tsuruno Takeshi, the PR ambassador for “Shogi no Machi Takatsuki”
- Megumi Ina, manga artist and author of “Shogi no Watanabe-kun”

Participants are reminded that requests for two-shot photographs or signatures from professional players will not be accommodated, ensuring a fair experience for everyone. Please note, details of the event may change, and attendees are encouraged to check the official website for the latest updates on the event schedule.

With more details to be announced on the Takatsuki Shogi Festival special page, Game enthusiasts and families alike are invited to partake in the various festivities this October! The Takatsuki Shogi Festival is organized by Pony Canyon Co., Ltd., as part of the Takatsuki City’s ongoing “Shogi no Machi” initiatives.