All Japan Student Go Federation facts for kids

The All Japan Student Go Federation (which in Japanese is called Zen Nihon Gakusei Igo Renmei (全日本学生囲碁連盟)) is a group in Japan that organizes Go tournaments for university students. They help set up championships across the country. This organization has different branches in various regions of Japan, like Kanto, Kansai, Kyushu, and Tohoku. A similar group, the American Collegiate Go Association, exists in the United States.

How it's Different from Other Go Groups

In Japan, most Go tournaments are usually run by big organizations like the Nihon Ki-in or Kansai Ki-in. However, the All Japan Student Go Federation and its local branches focus specifically on tournaments for university students. While they are not directly controlled by the larger Go organizations, they work closely with them.

Exciting Tournaments

The Federation holds many different tournaments. These events often have sponsors from companies that help support them.

World Students Go Oza Championship

This tournament started in 2003. It's a big competition to find the best student Go player in the world! Players from many different regions, including Taiwan, Europe, and Oceania, come to compete. Sadly, the games planned for 2020 were canceled because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

All Japan University Go Championship

This is a team competition where universities send their best Go players. Teams must win local competitions first to qualify for this national event. Each team can have five main players and some substitute players. The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, which also sponsors the Yomiuri Giants baseball team, supports this championship.

All Japan Female Student Honinbo

This is a special tournament just for female students. The Mainichi Shinbun newspaper is the sponsor. Some of the winners of this competition have gone on to become professional Go players or very skilled amateur players!

All Japan Student Go Best 10

This is another university championship that has been held since 1964. What makes it unique is that it allows not only university students but also high school students and graduate students to participate. The Asahi Shimbun newspaper sponsors this event.