Shogi Player Challenges Pregnancy Policies of Japanese Chess Association

Thu Dec 11 2025 15:30:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Kana Fukuma, a renowned shogi player, questions biases against pregnant competitors, urging the Japanese chess association to revise its rules.

Kana Fukuma, a top shogi player in Japan, has expressed her concerns against the chess association's policy that forces pregnant players to forfeit competitions during their maternity periods. She calls for reforms that would allow women to either adjust match timings or maintain their titles while taking maternity leave. The association is considering changes amid societal scrutiny and mixed reactions online.

A prominent shogi player in Japan, Kana Fukuma, has raised an important issue regarding the rules of a Japanese chess association that prohibit pregnant players from participating in title matches near their expected due dates. This regulation mandates their replacement, leading to forfeit of competitions and potential titles during that period.

Fukuma, who is highly decorated in the realm of shogi, argues that the existing rules restrict reproductive rights and place unfair pressure on players to choose between having children and advancing their careers. During a recent news conference, she stated, I hope the body will consider allowing female players to take time off before their due dates without suffering demotion.

Under the current guidelines, pregnant women are barred from competing within a 14-week timeframe, specifically from six weeks before their due dates to eight weeks postpartum. Fukuma has shared her personal struggle regarding this rule, confessing that she hesitated to start a family while focusing on her career in the highly competitive world of shogi.

The seasoned player, who has been active since 2003, was compelled to withdraw from tournaments during her pregnancy due to health complications. In her recent request to the association, Fukuma proposed adjustments to match dates and locations to better serve pregnant players, alongside advocating for protections to retain titles during maternity leave.

In response, the shogi association has stated their willingness to discuss potential revisions to the policy while prioritizing the safety of players and the integrity of the matches. This dialogue has provoked a variety of opinions across social media, with some people labeling the existing rules as derogatory towards women and others comparing the practices to those in professional sports that allow for maternity considerations.

Notably, some users have suggested that similar to procedures in tennis, where players returning from maternity leave can use their previous rankings to qualify for major tournaments, shogi should also implement more inclusive policies for its female competitors.