The 21st U-18 Shogi Stadium Set to Conclude in 2025 at Tokyo Budokan

The 21st U-18 Shogi Stadium

The 21st U-18 Shogi Stadium is set to take place on December 27, 2025, at the Tokyo Budokan, organized by the Tokyo Sports Culture Foundation. This prestigious event aims to promote shogi among students from elementary through high school, catering to participants aged 18 and under. Under the slogan “Sports Create Tokyo’s Future,” the event promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and learning.

Event Details

Scheduled for 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the event will be held at the Tokyo Budokan Main Training Hall, located at 3-20-1 Ayase, Adachi City, Tokyo. The tournament will feature different categories divided by skill level, including competitive matches for both elementary and middle/high school students. In addition, participants can look forward to special guidance matches led by professional shogi players, making this event attractive for all shogi fans, whether beginners or seasoned players.

Tournament Structure

The tournament will be divided into several classes:

- For Middle and High School Students:

- Champion Class
- Challenger Class
- Beginner Class

- For Elementary School Students:

- Champion Class
- Challenger Class
- Beginner Class

Pro Guidance Matches: Professional shogi players will conduct guidance matches to provide insights and strategies, featuring renowned players such as Takumi Morishita, 9-dan, and Yosuke Nakumura, 6-dan, among others. Notably, female professionals such as Sayuri Honda, 4-dan, will also participate, offering a unique perspective on the game.

Shogi Introductory Class: For those new to the game, an introductory class will be taught by one male and one female professional player. This hands-on experience aims to inspire a love for shogi among young players.

Registration Information

- Eligibility: Open to elementary, middle, and high school students (18 years or younger)
- Participation Fee: 1,000 yen per person (pre-payment required)
- Registration Period: Applications can be submitted through the Japan Shogi Association's official website from November 15, 2025, 10:00 AM until December 8, 2025, 11:59 PM. Note that registration is on a first-come-first-served basis until full capacity is reached.
- Capacity: Limited to 600 participants
- Requirements: Bring indoor shoes and a bag for outdoor shoes.

The scheduling and event details may change, so attendees are encouraged to check the official website for the latest updates.

Additional Information

For the most current news about the event and application procedures, visit the official website. Event updates will also be available on the Tokyo Budokan’s official social media accounts, ensuring you won’t miss any crucial announcements.

About the Tokyo Sports Culture Foundation

The Tokyo Sports Culture Foundation is dedicated to promoting sports activities among the residents of Tokyo. It operates four public sports facilities in the city: the Tokyo Gymnasium, Komazawa Olympic Park General Sports Ground, Tokyo Budokan, and the Tokyo Aquatics Centre. The foundation organizes various sports events and manages a sports information portal called SPOPITA, offering a comprehensive look at sporting facilities and events in Tokyo. With a mission to foster a vibrant sports culture, it plays a crucial role in preparing for the upcoming Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, marking Japan's first hosting of the event in its 100-year history.

The foundation is committed to its slogan, “Sports Create Tokyo’s Future,” aiming to create an inclusive and engaging sports environment for all its residents. As it continues its efforts, the foundation looks forward to forging a future where sports are an integral part of daily life in Tokyo.