Welcome to 2nd GLOBIS Cup World Go U-20. The event you’ve all been waiting for is finally here!

Last year, for the first time in 16 years at a global tournament, we had two Japanese players face off in the final round. This year, we have 16 players chosen from Japan, China, Korea, Chinese Taipei, North America, Europe, and the rest of Asia and Oceania. We are excited to see what drama will unfold next.

I became Director of the Nihon Ki-in in order to resolve the following three issues:
1) Increase the number of Go fans 2) Strengthen Go in Japan and 3) Increase the number of sponsored tournaments.

In that regard, we established the GLOBIS Cup World Go U-20 last year.

The GLOBIS Cup has 3 characteristics.
1) It is the only global tournament held in Japan; 2) It is the only global tournament for players under 20; and 3) It is the only global tournament sponsored by a business school in the world.

There would be no greater joy for me than if these young players here, upon competing with each other on this GLOBIS Cup stage, take a further step in their passion for Go, so that there are more fans in Japan and around the world.

At last year’s opening ceremony, I declared that the GLOBIS Cup would continue for 30 years. I hope that we can create a world tournament that is appreciated from around the world for a long time.