Post by : Rameen Ariff

The Japanese Shogi Association has issued an apology to renowned shogi player Kana Fukuma following her criticism of rules that prevent pregnant players from competing in title matches near their expected due dates. Under current regulations, pregnant players are replaced in competitions during this period, causing them to forfeit titles and opportunities to compete.

Kana Fukuma, one of Japan’s most accomplished shogi professionals, said the rule forces women to choose between starting a family and advancing their careers, describing it as a significant restriction on reproductive rights. Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Fukuma expressed her hope that the association will allow female players to take maternity leave without facing demotion or losing titles.

Under the existing rules, pregnant shogi players are barred from competing from six weeks before their expected delivery date until eight weeks after childbirth, a 14-week period during which they are automatically replaced in tournaments. Fukuma highlighted the personal challenges she faced, saying she hesitated to start a family while pursuing her shogi career, which she considers her life’s work. Prior to the birth of her first child in December 2024, Fukuma had to withdraw from several major competitions due to health complications related to her pregnancy.

In a written request submitted to the association on Tuesday, Fukuma proposed several changes, including adjusting match dates or venues to accommodate pregnant players, permitting competition during pregnancy if medically safe, and ensuring that players are not stripped of titles during maternity leave. She stressed the importance of balancing the health and safety of mothers with fair competition, aiming to create a system that supports female players’ career continuity.

The Shogi Association responded by acknowledging the concerns and stating that it may consider revising the rules after consulting experts. They emphasized that any changes would carefully balance player safety with the fairness of title matches.

Fukuma’s stance has sparked a lively debate on social media. Some commentators criticized the current rules as outdated and discriminatory, while others drew parallels with professional sports. On platforms like Reddit, users noted that tennis players returning from maternity leave are sometimes granted “protected rankings,” allowing them to enter major tournaments based on previous rankings rather than starting from scratch, suggesting a similar system could be applied in shogi.

The discussion has brought attention to broader issues regarding women in professional games and sports, highlighting the need for policies that support both family life and professional growth. Experts and fans alike are watching closely, as any rule adjustments in shogi could set a precedent for other competitive fields in Japan and across Asia, ensuring that talented women do not have to sacrifice their careers for motherhood.

#Global News