Isao Nakata

Isao Nakata is a Japanese professional [shogi player], ranked 8-dan.

Shogi professional

On July 2, 2025, Nakata defeated Norihiro Yagura in a 19th game to become the 65th professional shogi player to win 600 official games.

Theoretical contributions

The Kōyan variation of Third File Rook is named after him. In particular, his development of the so-called "Isao Nakata XP" is a very popular Third File Rook quick attack countermeasure against Static Rook Anaguma.

Promotion history

Nakata's promotion history is as follows:

6-kyū: 1980
1-dan: 1983
4-dan : April 30, 1986
5-dan: March 6, 1990
6-dan: August 7, 1998
7-dan: October 11, 2005
8-dan: January 21, 2019

Awards and honors

Nakata received the Japan Shogi Association's "25 Years Service Award" in 2011 in recognition of being an active professional for twenty-five years. In July 2025, he received the association's "Shogi Honor Award" in recognition of winning 600 official games as a professional.

Personal life

Nakata's nickname is, after the on'yomi reading of his first name.