Toshiaki Kubo

Toshiaki Kubo (久保 利明, Kubo Toshiaki, born August 27, 1975) is a Japanese professional shogi player ranked 9-dan. He is a former Ōshō and Kiō title holder.　

Toshiaki Kubo
Kubo at a human shogi event in November 2016.
Native name久保利明
Born (1975-08-27) August 27, 1975
HometownKakogawa, Hyōgo
NationalityJapanese
Career
Achieved professional statusApril 1, 1993(1993-04-01) (aged 17)
Badge Number207
Rank9 dan
Teacher Hitoshige Awaji
Major titles won7
Tournaments won6
Meijin classB1
Ryūō class1
Websites
JSA profile page

Early life

Kubo was born in Kakogawa, Hyōgo on August 27, 1975.[1] He learned shogi when he was about four years old, and at the encouragement of a friend of his father soon began playing regularly at the Kobe Shogi Center in neighboring Kobe. The center was managed by shogi professional Hitoshige Awaji who became Kubo's shogi teacher after the two played a 19-piece "Naked King" handicap game. In 1986, he advanced to the semi-finals of the 11th Elementary Student Meijin Tournament as fifth-grade elementary school student, but lost to the eventual tournament winner and fellow future shogi professional Daisuke Suzuki. Later that same year, Kubo entered the Japan Shogi Association's apprentice school at the rank of 6-kyū under the guidance of Awaji. He was awarded professional status and the rank of 4-dan on April 1, 1993, at the age of 17.[2]

Shogi professional

Kubo's first appearance in a major title match came in 2000 when he challenged Yoshiharu Habu for the 26th Kiō title. Kubo advanced to the title match by defeating Masataka Gōda 2 games to 0 to win the two-game challenger playoff, but was unable to defeat Habu, losing the match 3 game to 1.[3] The following year, he also challenged Habu for the 49th Ōza title, but lost once again by the same score.[4] In 2007, Kubo once again challenged Habu in the 55th Ōza title match, but was defeated 3 games to 0.[5]

Kubo's first major title victory came in 2009 when he defeated Yasumitsu Satō 3 games to 2 to take the 34th Kiō title.[6] Kubo successfully defended his title for the next two years by defeating Satō once again 3 games to 2 in 2010[7] and Akira Watanabe 3 games to 1 in 2011.[8] Kubo, however, was unable to defend his title for the third consecutive year, losing the 37th title match to Gōda 3 games to 1.[9]

In 2008, Kubo challenged Habu for the 57th Ōshō title, but lost the match 4 games to 1.[10] The two met again in 2009 for the 59th Ōshō title, and this time Kubo was the winner by the score of 4 games to 2.[11] The victory made Kubo a "2-crown" (a player who simultaneously holds two major titles) for the first time.[12] Kubo successfully defended his title the following year by defeating Masayuki Toyoshima 4 games to 2,[13] but lost the 61st Ōshō title match to Satō 4 games to 1 in 2012.[14] Kubo won the title for the third time in 2017 when he defeated Gōda 4 games to 2 to win the 66th Ōshō title,[15] and successfully defend his title in 2018 when defeated Toyoshima once again 4 games to 2 to win the 67th Ōshō title.[16] Kubo, however, was unable to defend his title once again the following year when he lost the 68th Ōshō match to Watanabe 4 games to none.[17]

In September–October 2020, Kubo challenged Takuya Nagase for the 68th Ōza title, but lost the match 3 games to 2.[18]

Playing style

Kubo is considered to be one of the foremost specialists in the Ranging Rook opening and has been nicknamed the "Sabaki Artist" (さばきのアーティスト) by fellow professionals for his skill at handling such positions. He is also known for his ability to persevere in difficult, even disadvantageous, positions and has been nicknamed the "Nebari Artist" (ねばりのアーティスト) as well. Kubo along with fellow ranging rook specialists Takeshi Fujii and Daisuke Suzuki are collectively referred to as the "Ranging Rook Big Three".[19]

Promotion history

Kubo's promotion history is as follows:[20]

  • 1986: 6-kyū
  • 1989: 1-dan
  • 1993, April 1: 4-dan
  • 1995, April 1: 5-dan
  • 1998, November 25: 6-dan
  • 2001, April 1: 7-dan
  • 2003, April 1: 8-dan
  • 2010, March 30: 9-dan

Titles and other championships

Kubo has appeared in major title matches a total of fifteen times, and has won the Kiō title three times and Ōshō title four times.[21] In addition to major titles, Kubo has won six other shogi championships during his career.[22]

Major titles
TitleYearsNumber of times overall
Kiō 2008–10 3
Ōshō 2009–10, 2016–17 4

Other championships
TournamentYearsNumber of times
*Daiwa Securities Strongest Player Cup 2010 1
Ginga-sen 2017 1
NHK Cup 2003 1
JT Nihon Series 2012–13 2
*All Star Kachinuki-sen 1998 1

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

Awards and honors

Kubo has received a number awards and honors throughout his career for his accomplishments both on an off the shogi board. These include awards given out annually by the JSA for performance in official games as well as other awards for achievement.[23][24]

Annual shogi awards
  • 22nd Annual Awards (April 1994 – March 1995): Best Winning Percentage
  • 26th Annual Awards (April 1998 – March 1999): Most Consecutive Games Won
  • 28th Annual Awards (April 2000 – March 2001): Fighting-spirit Award
  • 31st Annual Awards (April 2003 – March 2004): Distinguished Service
  • 36th Annual Awards (April 2008 – March 2009): Fighting-spirit Award, Most Games Played, Most Games Won, Kōzō Masuda Award
  • 37th Annual Awards (April 2009 – March 2010): Excellent Player, Most Games Played, Game of the Year
  • 38th Annual Awards (April 2010 – March 2011): Excellent Player
  • 41st Annual Awards (April 2013 – March 2014): Special Game of the Year Award
  • 44th Annual Awards (April 2016 – March 2017): Fighting-spirit Award

Other awards
  • 2013: Shogi Honor Award (Awarded by the JSA in recognition of winning 600 official games as a professional)

Year-end prize money and game fee ranking

Kubo has finished in the "Top 10" of the JSA's year-end prize money and game fee rankings thirteen times and in the "Top 3" twice since turning professional.

YearAmountRank
2001¥24,400,0008th[25]
2003¥18,180,00010th[25]
2004¥24,407,0007th[25]
2007¥26,800,0007th[26]
2008¥24,020,0008th[27]
2009¥33,410,0004th[28]
2010¥48,290,0003rd[29]
2011¥46,590,0003rd[30]
2012¥32,330,0006th[31]
2013¥17,880,0009th[32]
2017¥30,190,0004th[33]
2018¥25,980,0007th[34]
2019¥21,780,0008th[35]
  • Note: All amounts are given in Japanese yen and include prize money and fees earned from official tournaments and games held from January 1 to December 31.

References
  1. "Kishi Dētabēsu: Kubo Toshiaki" 棋士データベース: 久保利明 [Professional Shogi Player Database: Toshiaki Kubo] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  2. Geneki Purō Kishi DētaBukku 2016 [Jō] A-Ta Gyō 現役プロ棋士データブック2016 [上] あ-た [2016 Active Shogi Professional Databook [First volume] Letter "A" to Letter "Ta"] (in Japanese). MyNabi Publishing/Japan Shogi Association. 2015. p. 42. Retrieved November 27, 2017 – via Google Books.
  3. "Dai Nijūrokki Kiōsen: ･Chōsensha Kettei Tōnamento/Goban Shōbu" 第26期棋王戦: 挑戦者決定トーナメント／五番勝負 [26th Kiō Tournament: Challenger Tournament/5-game Match] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. 2000. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  4. "Dai Yonjūkyūki Ōzasen: ･Chōsensha Kettei Tōnamento/Goban Shōbu" 第49期王座戦: 挑戦者決定トーナメント／五番勝負 [49th Ōza Tournament: Challenger Tournament/5-game Match] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. 2000. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  5. "Dai Gojūgoki Ōzasen Goban Shōbu ...Habu Ōza, Boei (Jūrokurenpa)" 第55期王座戦五番勝負…羽生王座, 防衛（16連覇） [55th Ōza 5-game title match... Habu Ōza defends title (wins tournament for 16th consecutive year)] (in Japanese). Igo & Shogi Channel. October 4, 2007. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  6. "Dai Sanjūyonki Kiōsen ... Kubo Hachidan, Dasshu" 第34期棋王戦…久保八段, 奪取 [34th Kiō Tournament ... Kubo 8d takes title.] (in Japanese). Igo & Shogi Channel. March 31, 2009. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  7. "Dai Sanjūgoki Kiōsen ... Kubo Kiō, Bōei (Nirenpa)" 第35期棋王戦…久保棋王, 防衛(2連覇) [35th Kiō Tournament ... Kubo Kiō defends title (wins two years in a row)] (in Japanese). Igo & Shogi Channel. March 31, 2010. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  8. "Kubo Kiō ga Sanrenpa, Watanabe Ryūō Kudasu, Shōgi･Dai Sanjūroku Kiōsen" 久保棋王が3連覇, 渡辺竜王下す 将棋･第36期棋王戦 [36th Kiō Match: Kubo Kiō defeats Watanabe Ryūō to hold title for 3rd consecutive year.]. Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). March 18, 2011. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  9. "Shōgi･Gōda Kudan ga Kiō Dasshu, Jūnenburi Taitoru" 将棋･郷田九段が棋王奪取 10年ぶりタイトル [Shogi's Goda 9 dan captures Kiō title to win first major title in 10 years.]. Asahi Shimbun Digital (in Japanese). March 17, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  10. "Dai Gojūnanaki Ōshōsen ... Habu Ōshō, Boei (Yōnrenpa)" 第57期王将戦…羽生王将, 防衛（4連覇） [57th Ōshō Tournament ... Habu Ōshō defends title (wins for the fourth year in a row).] (in Japanese). Igo & Shogi Channel. February 29, 2008. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  11. "Kubo Shin Ōshō Tanjō! Chōkyūsen o Gyakuten Shi, Kiō to Nikan" 久保新王将誕生! 超急戦を逆転し棋王と2冠 [Kubo new Osho is crowned! Comes from behind to win very sharp game to hold two major titles at same time.]. Sports Nippon (in Japanese). March 18, 2010. Archived from the original on March 25, 2010. Retrieved December 19, 2017. 羽生善治王将(39)に久保利明棋王(34)が挑戦する第59期王将戦7番勝負の第6局...久保が超急戦を逆転勝利した。初の王将位を奪取して...[Toshiaki Kubo Kioh (age 34), challenger to Yoshiharu Habu Osho (age 39), comes from behind to win a very sharp Game 6 of the 7-game 59th Osho title to win Osho title for the first time.]
  12. Shōgi Taitorusen Sanjūnenshi 1998-2013 将棋タイトル戦30年史 1998～2013年編 [30 Year History of Shogi Major Title Matches: Years 1998-2013] (in Japanese). MyNabi Publishing/Japan Shogi Association. 2014. p. 406. ISBN 978-4-8399-5097-2. Retrieved December 19, 2017 – via Google Books.
  13. "Kubo Ōshō ga Hatsu Bōei! Azayaka na Sabaki de Shōri" 久保王将が初防衛! 鮮やかなさばきで勝利 [Kubo Osho defends title for the first time. Wins with brilliant technique]. Sports Nippon (in Japanese). March 16, 2011. Archived from the original on August 13, 2014. Retrieved December 19, 2017. 久保利明王将 (35) が勝ち, 通算成績4勝2敗で初防衛を果たした。[Toshiaki Kubo Ōshō (age 35) wins and defends title for the first time by a score of 4-2]
  14. "Satō Kudan ga Taitoru Dasshu, Shōgi Ōshōsen" 佐藤九段がタイトル奪取 将棋王将戦｣ [Shogi Osho Match: Sato 9-dan captures title]. Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). March 9, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2017. 挑戦者の佐藤康光九段(42)が久保利明王将(36)に109手で勝って, 通算成績を4勝1敗とし, タイトルを奪取した。[Challenger Yasumitsu Satō 9-dan (age 42) defeats Toshiaki Kubo Osho (age 36) in 109 moves to win match 4-1 and capture the title.]
  15. Murase, Shinya (March 15, 2017). "Kubo Kudan, Ōshō no Taitoru Dasshu Gōda Ōshō ni Yonshō Nihai" 久保九段, 王将のタイトル奪取 郷田王将に4勝2敗 [Kubo 9-dan defeats Goda Ōshō 4-2 to capture Ōshō Title]. Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  16. "Kubo Ōshō ga Bōei Shōgi, Toyoshima Hachidan wo Yaburu" 久保王将が防衛 将棋, 豊島八段を破る [Kubo Ōshō defends title, defeats Toyoshima 8d]. The Nikkei (in Japanese). Kyodo News. March 15, 2018. Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  17. "Watanabe Yonrenshō de Shin Ōshō ni Gokiburi Tsūsan Sankime no Fukui Kubo wa Mukan ni" 渡辺4連勝で新王将に 5期ぶり通算3期目の復位 久保は無冠に [Watanabe wins Ōshō title 4-0 to recapture title for the 3rd time and first time in 5 years; Kubo loses his only major title]. Mainichi Shimbun (in Japanese). February 25, 2019. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  18. "Shōgi･Nagase Ōza ga Bōei Sanshō Nihai de Kubo Kudan Yaburu" 将棋･永瀬王座が初防衛 3勝2敗で久保九段破る [Nagase Ōza defends title; defeats Kubo 9-dan 3 games to 2]. The Nikkei (in Japanese). October 14, 2020. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  19. Geneki Purō Kishi DētaBukku 2016 [Jō] A-Ta Gyō 現役プロ棋士データブック2016 [上] あ-た [2016 Active Shogi Professional Databook [First volume] Letter "A" to Letter "Ta"] (in Japanese). MyNabi Publishing/Japan Shogi Association. 2015. p. 43. Retrieved November 27, 2017 – via Google Books.
  20. "Kishi Dētabēsu: Kubo Toshiaki Shōdan Rireki" 棋士データベース: 久保利明 昇段履歴 [Professional Shogi Player Database: Toshiaki Kubo Promotion History] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  21. "Kishi Dētabēsu: Kubo Toshiaki Taitoru Rireki" 棋士データベース: 久保利明 タイトル履歴 [Professional Shogi Player Database: Toshiaki Kubo Major Title History] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  22. "Kishi Dētabēsu: Kubo Toshiaki Yūshō Rireki" 棋士データベース: 久保利明 優勝履歴 [Professional Shogi Player Database: Toshiaki Kubo Championship History] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  23. "Kishi Dētabēsu: Kubo Toshiaki Shōgi Taishō" 棋士データベース: 久保利明 将棋大賞 [Professional Shogi Player Database: Toshiaki Kubo Annual Shogi Awards] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  24. "Kishi Dētabēsu: Kubo Toshiaki Sonota Hyōshō" 棋士データベース: 久保利明 その他表彰 [Professional Shogi Player Database: Toshiaki Kubo Other Awards] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  25. "Nenkan Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō TOP10" 年間獲得賞金・対局料TOP10 [Annual Prize Money/Game Fees Top 10] (in Japanese). Kishi-mania. Archived from the original on May 23, 2014. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  26. "2007nen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto 20" 2007年獲得賞金・対局料ベスト20 [2007 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 20] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. March 1, 2008. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  27. "2008nen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto 20" 2008年獲得賞金・対局料ベスト20 [2008 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 20] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. March 2, 2009. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  28. "2009nen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto 20" 2009年獲得賞金・対局料ベスト20 [2009 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 20] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. March 5, 2010. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  29. "2010nen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto 20" 2010年獲得賞金・対局料ベスト20 [2010 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 20] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. February 16, 2011. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  30. "2011nen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto 20" 2012年獲得賞金・対局料ベスト20 [2011 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 20] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. February 16, 2012. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  31. "2012nen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto 10" 2011年獲得賞金・対局料ベスト10 [2012 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 10] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. February 18, 2013. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  32. "2013nen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto 10" 2013年獲得賞金・対局料ベスト10 [2013 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 10] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. February 7, 2014. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  33. "2017nen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto 10" 2017年獲得賞金・対局料ベスト10 [2017 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 10] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. February 6, 2018. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  34. "Habu Yoshiharu Kudan ga Ninenburi Ichii 2018nen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto 10" 羽生善治九段が2年ぶり1位 2018年獲得賞金・対局料ベスト10 [2018 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 10: Yoshiharu Habu 9d reclaims top position after two years] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. February 7, 2019. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  35. "2019nen Kakutoku Shōkin - Taikyokuryō Besuto 10" 2019年獲得賞金・対局料ベスト10 [2019 Prize Money/Game Fees Top 10] (in Japanese). Japan Shogi Association. February 3, 2020. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
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