Honinbo

Honinbo is a prominent name in the history of the game of Go. It refers to a Japanese Go stable, or school, that was one of the "Four Houses" of the Edo period, alongside Yasui, Inoue, and Hayashi. The Honinbo house was particularly influential and long-lasting, playing a significant role in the development of professional Go strategy and theory.

The origin of the Honinbo house can be traced back to the early 17th century with Honinbo Sansa, who was appointed as the first head of the Honinbo school by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Over centuries, the position of head of the Honinbo house, known as the Honinbo Oyakata, became one of the most prestigious titles in the Go world. The players who held this title were considered the strongest in Japan.

The Honinbo tournament, established in 1939, is one of the most prestigious professional Go titles in Japan, and historically, was considered the most important. It is named after the legendary Honinbo house. Winning the Honinbo title is a significant achievement for any professional Go player. Many legendary players have held the Honinbo title, contributing greatly to the game's rich history. The stable itself ceased to exist in its original form in the mid-20th century, but the legacy and the tournament continue to be highly regarded.