Yoshiharu Habu

Professional Shogi Player

Born in Tokorozawa, Saitama prefecture in 1970, he started shogi (Japanese chess) at the age of six and after being promoted to 6-kyu in 1982 entered Tatsuya Futakami 9-dan (rank). He turned professional in 1985 at the age of 15, won his first Ryu-oh Championship in 1989, and all seven championships in 1996. He currently holds six lifetime titles including Meijin, Kisei, Oza, Oi, Kioh and Osho. (His name will be succeeded after retirement.)