Overview
- On December 10, top women’s player Fukuma Kana submitted a formal proposal and held a news conference in Osaka seeking immediate suspension and revision of the rule.
- Her proposal calls for schedule or venue adjustments at players’ request, participation based on health or a doctor’s opinion even with overlap, and protection of titleholder status during maternity leave.
- The Japan Shogi Association apologized, said amendment plans are being adjusted, and will consult Fukuma, outside experts, and the Women’s Shogi Players’ Association while exploring relief such as special seeding.
- The rule, set in April and framed as safeguarding health and fairness, mandates opponent substitution when the 14‑week window coincides with a title series, and current calendars leave no 14‑week gap between title events.
- Fukuma, who holds six of eight women’s titles, recorded default losses in two 2024 title challenges after scheduling talks failed and has said the policy left her feeling she could not have a second child.