In a sunny day in Tokyo, I briefly visited the Nihon Ki-in, and then played two games online with players from UK and France on May 17.
Later I met several players and officials: AGA's Gurujeet, Andy (also IGF officials), Li Ting 1P of IGF, Antti Törmänen (Pro from Nihon Ki-in), and players from Georgia, Lithuania, Argentina, Switzerland, etc. To me the theme of the World Amateur Go Championship is clear: for world's go players to know each other, and for go leaders to gather -- similar with US Go Congress, yet a world version of it.
The photo gallery for the 100th anniversary is impressive, with all the legendary players and chronicles of key championships.
Posters and flyers are vivid and high-quality.
5/18 Day 1 will be exciting day! Full of great activities.
IGF leaders
WAGC Opening Message from the President of the Nihon Ki-in, Mr. Kobayashi 9P
Message from Chief Judge Mr. Ichiriki 9P
Done some shopping in the Ki-in's shop... and some individual photos with culture elements.
View from the Green Palace Hotel
Recent two weeks, my game record was okay, and I might've spotted a style/weakness of players from a certain region.
- 5-0 vs top US amateurs, including runner-up and 3rd-place of 2023 Pro Qual.
- 1-1 vs Canadian top amateurs
- 2-1 vs European
- Total 8W-2L
Some opponents' confidence on settling surprised me. They seem less worried about thinness or floating groups, and dare me to attack/kill.
Starting tomorrow, it'll be 8 games in 4 straight days. In a slower time setting, I'll seek opportunity to punish or kill...
Although for each of my opponents and some world leaders, I've prepared a small but special gift (I've printed out 17 copies of the 65-page journal and carried them all the way to Tokyo):
