Kōzō Masuda


Kōzō Masuda was a Japanese professional shogi player who achieved the rank of 9-dan. He is a former Meijin who was known for playing very creative shogi. For instance, top player Yoshiharu Habu considered Masuda's playing style to be 30 years ahead of its time and the origin of the modern way to play shogi.

Life

Kōzō Masuda Award

Each year since 1995 the Japan Shogi Association has awarded the Kōzō Masuda Award to the player or players whose innovative new ideas in shogi theory or tactics, or whose new or excellent moves have attracted significant attention among other shogi players and fans during the year.
A second award is the Masuda Special Prize, which is given out infrequently.

Promotion history

The promotion history of Masuda is as follows:
  • 1947: 8-dan
  • 1959: 9-dan

    Major titles and other championships

Masuda won the Meijin title in 1957 and 1958, and was the loser in the title match another eight times. He also won the Osho title three times and the now defunct twice. Overall, Masuda won a major title seven times and appeared in a major title match twenty-three times during his career.
In addition to major titles, Masuda won the NHK Shogi Cup three times and other shogi tournaments four times.

Awards and honors

Masuda was awarded the Japanese government's Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbons in November 1973.