The movie “Always Sanchome no Yuhi (Always: Sunset on Third Street)” was very popular in Japan a few years ago.  In the movie, there were quite a few nostalgic and retro sights such as a family dinner time that the whole family gathered around the small table, and these scenes were very appealing to many Japanese people.

Lately, however, it is said that we have fewer opportunities for direct family communications due to growing nuclear families and other factors.  I personally feel sorry for this phenomenon.  What do you think about that?
I think it is a very precious time for the family to get together to talk about daily trifle matters.

Considering that, I think Shogi is a savior to reconstruct direct family communications.  (You might think that Shogi as a savior may sound a bit extreme, though.)

Shogi is an age-free brain game.  Also, we do not need to consider physical strength gap between players for Shogi.  Though its rules are a little complicated, many parents and grandparents can teach them to children.  Furthermore, even there is a skill gap between two players, they can still play together if the stronger one plays with less pieces.  They can enjoy serious match.  No big preparation is necessary.

There is no better tool for family communication than Shogi.  (You may think it’s too much to say so, though.)So, today, I would like to talk about family communication through Shogi.
You can enjoy Shogi by yourself as well.

Mother and a child start Shogi together.

Moms, let’s start Shogi with your children.

It is often said that Shogi makes children smarter lately.  However, I think many mothers feel anxious about letting children learn Shogi since mothers do not know Shogi rules themselves.

As a matter of fact, males are dominant Shogi players, and people tend to think that Shogi is for men, generally.

Yet, I would say it is good that mothers can stand at the same start line with children since mothers are also novice players in Shogi.

The presence of peers is actually very meaningful when we start something new.  We can help each other encountering problems.  Best of all, mothers and children can spend fun time together discussing what and how to do in a game of Shogi.

I think there are not many things you can start at the same level as your children and grow with them.  I think Shogi is attractive in this sense as well.

For your information, the Manga (comic) titled “Hirake Koma (Open pieces)” describes a mother who enjoys Shogi with her son.  It is fun and very easy to read.  Please also check the following post.

Fathers teach children Shogi strategies.

Once children learn Shogi rules, ask dad to teach strategies.

Once children understand basic rules, it is daddy’s turn to help them. I think many fathers find Shogi nostalgic as I bet they played it when they were young.  I’m sure quite a few daddies even know tactics such as “Climbing Sliver” and “4th-file Rook.”

Although children learn basic rules, they still need some time to understand where to move what piece and how to attack.  I believe that fathers can show those to children through playing a game with them.

I think it is also good for fathers since they can watch children grow through Shogi.  I understand that fathers are often too busy to share time with children, but they can have conversation with children while playing Shogi together.

Yet, I would like to warn you one thing.  Fathers, do not get too enthusiastic.  Please refrain from harshly beating children and saying something like “You need to practice more!”  Please let children win wisely and praise their moves.

Play a match with grandpa.

The charm of Shogi is generation-free.

I think it is also nice that a child and his/her grandpa who a child can hardly see play Shogi together.   Old people are surely skillful at Shogi with good amount of experiences.

Shogi is also one of traditional Japanese culture, and I think that it is a very good conversation opener for children and grandparents.  Shogi helps them to engage in fun conversation despite tense atmosphere of a serious Shogi match.

I think that grandparents must also enjoy a serious match with grandchildren.So, children, let’s show off your fine skills you’ve learnt from mom and dad in a match with grandparents.

Our previous posts also mentioned that one of the Shogi charms is that it is a generation-free game.   The whole family can share fun and quality time in a game of Shogi.