Izumi Kobayashi facts for kids

Izumi Kobayashi (小林 泉美, Kobayashi Izumi, born June 20, 1977) is a professional Go player from Japan. Go is a very old and strategic board game. Izumi Kobayashi is known for being one of the top female Go players.

About Izumi Kobayashi

Her Family of Go Players

Izumi Kobayashi grew up in a family where everyone played Go! She even joked that she started playing Go before she was born. Her father is Koichi Kobayashi, who is one of the best Go players in Japan. He has won many titles.

Her grandfather, Kitani Minoru, was also a very famous Go player and a great teacher. Her mother, Reiko Kobayashi, was also a strong Go player. She won the All-Japan Women's Championship many times.

Becoming a Professional Player

Izumi Kobayashi became a professional Go player in 1995. This means she plays Go for a living. She has worked hard to improve her skills. In 2004, she reached the rank of 6 dan. Later, in 2021, she was promoted to 7 dan. She is married to Cho U, who is also a very strong Go player in Japan.

Her Amazing Wins

Izumi Kobayashi has won many important Go tournaments. These wins show how talented she is. Here are some of the big titles she has held:

• Women's Honinbo: She won this title three times, from 2001 to 2003.
• Women's Meijin: She won this title in 2001, 2003, and 2004.
• Women's Kisei: She won this title twice, in 1998 and 1999.
• Women's Saikyo: She won this title in 2005.
• Women's JAL Super Hayago: She won this title in 2004.

These titles are very important in the world of Go. Winning them means you are one of the best players!