Welcome to the 5th GLOBIS Cup World Go U-20. The event you’ve all been waiting for is finally here! The GLOBIS Cup is the only global Go tournament held in Japan.

In the first year—for the first time in 16 years at a global tournament—we had two Japanese players face off in the final round. In the second year, Chinese and Koreans shared the awards stage. In the third year, participants from China, Japan, and Korea each won a prize. Last year, for the first time, three Japanese players went to the quarterfinals and two got through to the semifinals. All the Chinese players lost in the quarterfinals for the first time, and the Japanese and Koreans dominated the top 4.

Now, in our fifth year, we again are down to 16 players from Japan, China, Korea, Chinese Taipei, North America, Europe, and the rest of Asia and Oceania. I am sure that they will play exciting games again.

The reason why we established the GLOBIS Cup is clear. To create an opportunity for the young players here, to compete with each other on this GLOBIS Cup stage, and to perform well on a global stage.

Many of the previous years’ best participants—Atsushi Ida (8dan), Ryo Ichiriki (8dan), Katsuya Motoki (8dan), Kagen Kyo ( 7dan), and Seiki Yo ( 7dan) —are all over 20 now. This year, we have new young members ready to take the stage. Also, for the first time, a Japanese female player is joining us.

We are excited to see what drama will unfold next. We hope that you will spread the word about the GLOBIS Cup to many people, and that the number of Go fans will increase far and wide.