Chikara Katsumata
(Katsumata Chikara)
Chikara Katsumata (勝又 力 Katsumata Chikara) is a famous shogi player.
Background
Chikara Katsumata was the holder of one of the seven most prestigious shogi titles, the Meijin[1], which he lost to Shukichi. He currently holds the Osho title, having usurped it from Shukichi in a title defense match. In the past, he had also fought against Kohji.
Personality
He is a skilled shogi player with a cool, logical temperament. He is focused and speaks respectfully of Shukichi who is his rival. He is also fair, seen when he suggested an early adjournment for lunch after he noticed Shukichi was distracted.[2]
Appearance
He is a bulky middle-aged-looking man with a clean-shaven strong jawline, short hair, and receding hairline. He wears glasses. In tournaments, he wears very traditional Japanese clothing: a wide-sleeved kimono covered by a dark colored haori with wide sleeves.
Appellations
| Picture | Name | What they call Chikara Katsumata | What Chikara Katsumata calls them |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Shukichi Haneda | Meijin (while Chikara held the title) | Haneda-meijin (after Shukichi claimed the title) |
Plot overview
He is challenged by Shukichi, who wishes to obtain the last of the seven shogi titles he needs to becomes meijin. On the day of the final game, they are tied 3-3. He is unaware that Shukichi's love, Yumi, has been kidnapped. Shukichi leaves the match and the building immediately, surprising him, and spends almost all of his assigned thinking time looking for Yumi's whereabouts. He waits patiently for Shukichi to return. Despite effectively having to play a one-sided speed match against him, Shukichi wins and claims the seventh title.
Shukichi loses his title defense match for the Osho title against him and subsequently only holds six titles at the moment.
Chikara asked Shukichi to join the shogi session to help two other young shogi players: his daughter Mina Katsumata, and her friend Shoko Uryu.
Name origin
The name Chikara Katsumata may come from the real-life shogi players Chikara Akutsu and Kiyokazu Katsumata.
The kanji in Chikara Katsumata's name (勝又 力) literally means "win-again strength".