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Local Organizers Oppose Nihon Kiin Plan to Sell New York Go Center

The Nihon Kiin has informed Nihon Kiin America (NKA) that it intends to sell the East 52nd St building that formerly housed the New York Go Center. Nihon Ki-in CEO Mr. Hanyu will be in New York this week to discuss the matter further with Terry Benson, NKA President.  "We think it's a mistake to sell," Benson says,  "especially with New York real estate values climbing. We presented them with a detailed plan by which the building could be put back in use, pay for the cost to do so in less than three years, and be a permanent source of funds to cover its expenses and produce money to benefit American go. The plan was never given serious consideration." In a conference call Mr. Hanyu told NKA board members that the proceeds would be used to benefit American go. However Mr. Hanyu also said that the American community would only be "consulted" in determining how the funds would be used. The Nihon Ki-in would have the final authority. He also would not say whether the building would be offered for competitive bids in a public sale or in a private transaction like the one the Nihon Ki-in tried to close in 2011.  "The Nihon Kiin has a fiduciary responsibility to make the most of Iwamoto sensei's gift. A private sale to a friendly buyer would raise obvious suspicions. We will insist on transparency in everything to do with the building," says Benson. "Iwamoto's endowment to US go must benefit and be controlled by those who know how to promote go in the US. We hope the Nihon Ki-in honors Iwamoto's intentions." - photo: Andy Liu giving a lesson at the NYGC; photo by Roy Laird