Hon'inbō Shusaku

Honinbō Shūsaku (本因坊 秀策, Hon-inbō Shūsaku^?) real name Kuwabara Torajirō (桑原 虎次郎, Kuwabara Torajirō^? June 6, 1829-June 3 September 1862) is considered by many to be the greatest player of the golden age of Go in the mid-19th century. He received the nickname "Shūsaku the Invincible"; due to his perfect score of 19 consecutive victories in the games held annually in the castle.

Shūsaku is one of three Go players to have been awarded the title of "Go Saint" (Kisei). The other two are Dōsaku (1677-1702) and Jōwa.

Biography

Kuwahara Torajirō, son of the merchant Kuwahara Wazo, was born in a town near Onomichi (Japan). Lord Asano, the daimyō of the region, after playing a match with him, became his patron, and allowed him to receive lessons from his own personal trainer, the priest Hoshin., a professional player. In 1837, at only 8 years old, but with an almost professional level, he left home to join the Honinbō school, the most important school in the game of Go in Japan at the time. On January 3, 1840, he received his shodan (professional level first dan) diploma.

In 1840, Shūsaku left Edo to visit his home for a period of one year. In the following years, he progressed steadily, reaching 4th dan in 1844, the year he returned to visit his home for an extended period. In April-May 1846, returning to Edo, he played against Gennan Inseki, the strongest player at the time. Shūsaku played with a two-stone advantage, but Gennan discovered that he was too strong, so the game was left unfinished to start another one in which Shūsaku's only advantage was playing black. Gennan played a new joseki (opening variation on a corner), in which Shūsaku made a mistake. Everyone watching the game thought Gennan was winning, save for one, a doctor, who noticed that Gennan's ears turned red after a specific move by Shūsaku in the middle game; a sign that Gennan was surprised. This move is one of the most famous in the history of Go, and the "red-eared move" (耳赤の一局) is probably the most famous move.

When he returned to Edo, Shūsaku was not only promoted to 5th dan, but was also made the official heir to Shuwa, who was to become head of the Honinbō house. At first, Shūsaku declined the offer, citing his obligations to Lord Asano. After the matter was settled, Shūsaku agreed.

As the official heir to the Honinbō headship, Shūsaku held an eminent position. His grade also increased, and he reached 7th dan, although it is not known exactly when this occurred; some think 1849 and others 1853. After forcing his most important rival Ota Yuza to take a handicap, he was considered by most to be the strongest player with the exception of Shuwa.

In 1862, he died.