50 Years aGO

Haruyama Isamu 7d began a two month residency in New York, making himself available for lessons, teaching games and go club visits. Today he is best known as one of the authors of early survey book Basic Techniques of Go.

Pictured: Haruyama Isamu was one of the coauthors of the well known book Basic Techniques of Go.

The final matches to determine who would play in the final of the world's greatest go tournament - the First Kisei - narrowed the field to four this month. The expectation was that we would see two of the young generation compete for the title, particularly Katō Masao 10d and Rin Kaihō 9d. However, veteran Fujisawa Shūkō 9d defeated Katō at the end of last month, and Ishida Yoshio 9d on October 14. Meanwhile there was a veteran matchup between Sakata Eio 9d and Hashimoto Utarō 9d, won by Hashimoto on October 7. Shūkō and Hashimoto would join new favorites Takemiya Masaki and Ōtake Meijin to determine the final.

The Meijin title match concluded this month, bad news for Ishida Yoshio, who was trailing 0-2 heading into the month. Ōtake took a 3-0 lead on October 6-7, although Ishida rallied to win in his first kadoban on October 20/21. However, the in form Ōtake was victorious in the fifth game on October 27/28 to secure the title.

Pictured: Ishida, left, stares at his defeat, while Ōtake, right, enjoys the moment.

A Women's Go Festival was held on October 30, in particular to honor Itō Tomoe 5d, who was most noted for winning seven Women's Championships, including five in a row. She was a disciple of the legendary Kita Fumiko 8d, and her most famous disciple was Awaji Shūzō 9d.

Pictured: commentary on a match at the Women's Go Festival.

Photos from Kidō Yearbook and Keith Arnold.