Pro shogi player, Toshiyuki Toshima, nine-dan holder and former titleholder of Meijin (the highest title in shogi), has announced his marriage. While details of his spouse are undisclosed, this news is a big deal in the shogi community of Japan and is making rounds across Japanese media outlets. Although no concrete date has been placed on the wedding, fans are expressing their joy and sharing their congratulations online.

In Japan, celebrity marriages, especially those involving figures from the traditional arts and culture sector like shogi, are often celebrated and extensively covered in the media. While the privacy of the individuals involved is respected, fans typically express their joy and share best wishes on such occasions. Shogi holds a significant place in Japanese culture, and a major player announcing his marriage could potentially boost its popularity.

In western societies like the US and EU, weddings of high-profile individuals, like top-tier chess players, would also generate interest, especially among fans of the game. However, as chess is not as widespread culturally as shogi is in Japan, the public recognition might be less impactful.