The Japan Society is pleased to co-host the Inter City Shogi Cup 2026 London, bringing the second edition of this unique European competition to London. Following the success of our Discover the World of Shogi – Japanese Chess workshops in 2025, we are delighted to continue nurturing interest in shogi and supporting its growing community in the UK. 

The Inter City Shogi Cup welcomes all players who already know the basic rules of shogi, including beginners as well as those with casual or competitive experience.  

We will also host a workshop open to complete beginners including families and young people on Sunday – please see here for more details. 

Building on the positive response to last year’s inaugural tournament in Frankfurt, the 2026 event maintains a structure designed to create balanced and engaging matches for a wide range of playing strengths. The tournament consists of two main stages: 

• ELO-Based Group Stage 
  Players begin in groups matched to their approximate level, helping ensure competitive early-round games. 

• Handicap Final Stage 
  In later rounds, the stronger player may give a handicap appropriate to the difference in rating, offering a fairer and more dynamic competitive environment. 

More details of the Tournament can be found on the official website:  

• Concept 

• Rules  

• Tournament Schedule  

If you have any questions, please contact the Inter Shogi Cup London 2026 at yasushishogi@gmail.com