Hanshin Tigers' professional baseball player Saiki has been awarded the rank of 'Danshou', the first-level professional status in the Shogi Federation. Saiki has proven his prowess not just in baseball but also in shogi, thereby showcasing his exceptional strategic skills. The timing and venue of the award presentation are yet to be disclosed.

In Japan, both baseball and shogi are immensely popular. Many people treat achievements in these strategy-based disciplines as a societal honor. For a professional athlete like Saiki to excel in another totally different and complex game like shogi displays an esteemed level of discipline, grand strategy, and work ethic.

Achieving professional status in more than one discipline is highly respected in many countries, including the US and EU. However, it's relatively rare for a professional athlete to excel in a strategic game like chess. This unique achievement certainly adds a new dimension in the cross-over of physical and mind sports.