Kōji Tanigawa

Born in Kobe on April 6, 1962, he entered the Japan Shogi Association’s apprentice school in 1973.

At just fourteen years old he earned the professional rank of 4-dan, becoming the second-youngest person in modern Shogi history to attain professional status.

In 1983 he challenged Hifumi Katō for the 41st Meijin title and, with a 4–2 score, became the youngest Meijin ever at only 21 years of age—a record only recently surpassed by Sōta Fujii. He defended the title the following year before relinquishing it in 1985.

He has competed in 57 title matches and won 27 of them. He holds the Lifetime title of 17th Meijin and has won …

Ryūō: 4 times
Meijin: 5 times
Kisei: 4 times
Ōi: 6 times
Ōza: 1 time
Kiō: 3 times
Ōshō: 4 times

In addition, he has 22 victories in minor tournaments, and among his personal records are 1,400 official wins (as of January 15, 2025). For his achievements he has received numerous awards: Best New Player, Technique Award, and Player of the Year. He has also been honored with civic awards from the city of Kobe and Hyōgo Prefecture. In 2014 the Japanese government awarded him the Medal with Purple Ribbon.

He has held senior positions within the Japan Shogi Association and was elected its President in 2012. In January 2017 he resigned, taking responsibility for an internal controversy.

His nickname kōsoku no yose, “light-speed endgame” (光速の寄せ), refers to Kōji Tanigawa’s extraordinary ability to spot the best endgame moves with incredible speed.