Fujii retains Shogi Meijin title with four-match sweep

Sota Fujii has secured his fourth consecutive Meijin title, one of the eight major championships in professional Shogi, after defeating challenger Tetsuro Itoyama in the decisive fourth game of the best-of-seven series. The victory was confirmed on May 17, 2026, at a venue in Osaka Prefecture, where Fujii completed the series with a 4-0 winning streak.

The 23-year-old player, widely recognised as a Rokkan or Six-Crown Holder due to his possession of six of the eight major titles, ended the match in the minimum number of games required. His opponent, 37-year-old Tetsuro Itoyama, was unable to secure a win against Fujii’s sustained performance throughout the contest.

The Meijin title is contested through a rigorous best-of-seven format, requiring a player to win four games to claim the championship. Fujii’s ability to close out the series in the fourth game demonstrates a consistent level of play that has allowed him to retain the title for four consecutive years.

According to NHK News Japan, which reported on the event, the match concluded the latest iteration of the Meijin series. The broadcaster noted the significance of the result, highlighting Fujii’s status as the reigning champion who successfully defended his position against a seasoned challenger.

This retention of the Meijin title further cements Fujii’s standing within the professional Shogi community. By maintaining his hold on this specific championship alongside his other titles, he continues to define the current era of the sport, with his next challenge yet to be determined.