Society Female shogi veteran asks association to change pregnancy rules

Fukuma Kana, a leading women's shogi player, said the sport needed rules that take account of players whose pregnancies or childbirth coincide with major title matches. Fukuma said she feared the current system left women choosing between competing for championships and having children, and that this was no way to sustain the profession's future. She said she wanted girls entering the game to feel they could aim for the top without that kind of pressure.


Fukuma, 33, who currently holds six of the eight major women's titles, spoke at the Osaka Bar Association building in Kita Ward the morning after filing a petition with the Japan Shogi Association calling for its regulations to be revised. The level of attention the issue has drawn was evident in the large media turnout, with more than twenty outlets attending the press conference, which began shortly after ten. Her lawyer was also present and started by explaining why the briefing had been organised.

The Japan Shogi Association responded to the issue by starting to create rules on pregnancy and childbirth last year. This April, it introduced a rule that, "If the schedule of a match overlaps, even by a single game, with the six weeks before childbirth or eight weeks following it, the player will be replaced." However, this addition may prevent some titleholders who give birth from defending their titles, resulting in the loss of the title. Fukuma said at the news conference that she was honestly shocked to see the rule because her request wasn't reflected in it at all. She also said she lost hope of having a second child due to the rule.

Click to expand...

Fukuma asked that players be able to decide for themselves whether to take part in title matches, or to have match dates and venues adjusted in line with medical advice or their own health. She also argued that a reigning champion should not be stripped of her title while on maternity leave, along with several related proposals.