Nobuyuki Ōuchi


Nobuyuki Ōuchi was a Japanese professional shogi player who achieved the rank of 9-dan. He won the first Kiō title in 1976, and also served as senior managing director of the Japan Shogi Association from 1993 to 1999. He was awarded the Japanese government's Order of the Rising Sun in 2015.

Early life and education

Ōuchi was born on October 2, 1941, in Minato, Tokyo.
In 1954, he entered the Japan Shogi Association's apprentice school at the rank of 6-kyū under guidance of shogi professional Ichitarō Doi. He was promoted to the rank of apprentice professional 1-dan in 1958, and obtained professional status and the rank of 4-dan in April 1963.
Ōuchi was the first graduate of Chuo University to become a professional shogi player.

Professional shogi

Ōuchi was the challenger for the Meijin title in 1975 against Makoto Nakahara. He retired from professional shogi in April 2010.

Promotion history

The promotion history for Ōuchi is as follows:
  • 6-kyū: 1954
  • 1-dan: 1958
  • 4-dan: April 1, 1963
  • 5-Dan: April 1, 1984
  • 6-dan: April 1, 1985
  • 7-dan: April 1, 1970
  • 8-dan: April 1, 1972
  • 9-dan: April 1, 1984
  • Retired: April 20, 2010

Titles and other championships

Ōuchi appeared in major title matches a total of four times and won one major title. He won the Kiō title in 1976 for his only major title. In addition to his one major title, Ōuchi won eight other shogi championships during his career.

Non-title championships

Note: Tournaments marked with an asterisk are no longer held.

Awards and honors

Ōuchi received a number of awards and honors throughout his career for his accomplishments both on an off the shogi board. These include awards given out annually by the for performance in official games as well as other awards for career accomplishments, and awards received from governmental organizations, etc. for contributions made to Japanese society.
In November 2015, Ōuchi became the 25th professional shogi player to be awarded the Order of the Rising Sun for his contributions to the promotion of Japanese culture.

Annual Shogi Awards

Other awards

Death

Ōuchi died on June 23, 2017, at age 75. The cause of death was not made public. A memorial service for Ōuchi was held on July 17, 2017, at the headquarters of the in Tokyo. The service was attended by roughly 500 people, including relatives, friends and fans.