Kitani Minoru

Kitani Minoru (1909-1975) was one of the most celebrated professional players of the game of Go in the twentieth century in Japan.

Related Topics:
1909 - 1975 - Game of Go - Twentieth century - Japan

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He was a young prodigy, who quickly attracted attention after the founding in 1924 of the Nihon Ki-in. He became a great rival to, and friend of, Go Seigen, after the latter was brought to Japan from China.

Related Topics:
Nihon Ki-in - Go Seigen

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Go and Kitani were the vanguard of the Shinfuseki or "New Opening" theory, a period roughly 1933-6 which saw great innovations in go opening theory. They played in the Kamakura jubango, from 1939, the most celebrated ten game match of the century. It ended in Go's decisive victory. Kitani's career never quite recovered; he was also hampered by bad health, in the form of a heart condition. He was later noted for a style of spectacular idiosyncrasy, with great emphasis on secure territory.

Related Topics:
Shinfuseki - Go opening theory - Kamakura jubango - Ten game match

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He was subsequently noted as most prolific teacher ever of future professional players. The Kitani dojo, which began to flourish after 1945 in the Kitani house in the countryside, and was in practical terms run by his wife, produced a whole generation of top players who would dominate Japanese go from the early 1970s to mid-1990s. Pupils included Kato Masao, Ishida Yoshio, Cho Chikun, Takamiya Masaki and Kobayashi Koichi.

Related Topics:
Kato Masao - Ishida Yoshio - Cho Chikun - Takamiya Masaki - Kobayashi Koichi

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