This episode delves into the little-known allure of shogi or Japanese chess. We take a look at the shogi pieces used over the years by shogi legend Yoshiharu Habu, as well as gem-like pieces crafted from boxwood featuring stunning designs, and pieces used in prestigious title games that were fashioned by famous artisans in the Meiji period, and other examples that would be the envy of any collector. We focus on a young craftsman who uses lacquer to apply the inscriptions on the pieces, and go behind the scenes of a prestigious title game that takes place at Kakegawa Castle in Shizuoka Prefecture.
