Minoru Kitani: The Teacher Who Built a Go Dynasty

Go fans worldwide know the name Minoru Kitani - the legendary Japanese player who pushed the boundaries of the ancient game. Kitani earned the nickname "The Prodigy" in his youth and went on to become one of the most influential Go teachers of the 20th century.

Earning the Nickname "The Prodigy"

Born in 1909, Kitani first made waves in 1928 by winning a knockout tournament against eight opponents in a row from the Kiseisha go club while still a teenager. His match against retiring champion Honinbo Shusai was fictionalized in Kawabata's famous novel "The Master of Go."

Pioneering New Strategies

Kitani developed a famous rivalry and friendship with Chinese prodigy Go Seigen when the latter was brought to Japan in 1924. Together they pioneered the "New Opening Theory" of go strategies in the 1930s. In 1939, their legendary jubango match cemented Kitani's legacy, despite Go Seigen's victory.

Overcoming Health Challenges

Though Kitani's health declined over the years, including suffering a cerebral hemorrhage in 1954, he continued playing professionally until 1964. He received the prestigious Okura Prize in 1967. Above all, Kitani will be remembered for his profound influence as a teacher.

The Kitani Dojo Legacy

The Kitani dojo, run by Minoru and his wife in the Kitani household, produced a whole generation of champion Go players from the 1970s through the 1990s. Kitani coached over 60 students in his career, 40 of whom went on to be professionals, with a cumulative dan rank exceeding 250.

Cementing His Legacy

Through his trailblazing play, iconic rivalries, and immense impact in training future champions, Minoru Kitani helped shape the Go world of today. He cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats of the game before passing in 1975. Kitani proves how one driven teacher can elevate a whole generation.