Kisei

Kisei, written as 棋聖 and read as Kisei in Japanese, is a major professional Go title in Japan. The name translates to “Saint of Go” and the title is regarded as one of the game’s most prestigious championships. It is part of the traditional bundle of Japanese Go titles and is commonly cited alongside Meijin, Honinbo, and other major crowns.

The title is administered by the Nihon Ki-in and has historically been associated with sponsorship from a major newspaper, notably Yomiuri Shimbun. The competition consists of two main parts: a challenger selection process, and the title match itself. The challenger is determined through a dedicated tournament or league system, and the champion defends the title in a multi-game series, traditionally a best-of-seven match. The exact format and prize structure have evolved over the years, but the decisive series remains the central event of the Kisei cycle.

The Kisei has long been seen as one of the most valuable and high-profile Go titles in Japan, both for the prestige of holding the crown and for the significant prize money accompanying the title. Throughout its history, numerous top players have held the Kisei, contributing to the title’s reputation for demanding high-level play and strategic depth.

In the Go community, winning the Kisei is considered a major career milestone, and defending it against a formidable challenger is a core feature of Japan’s professional Go calendar. See also: other major Go titles such as Meijin, Honinbo, Judan, and Tengen.