Over 400 Applicants for 'Shogi AI Summit 2026' — Unprecedented Response Double Initial Expectations. Why Society is Now Focusing on the Shogi World That Has Coexisted with AI for 10 Years

Mynavi Publishing Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Terunori Kakotake) announces that the 'Shogi AI Summit 2026 powered by DAIV 10th Anniversary,' scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Kabukiza Tower in Tokyo, has surpassed 400 applicants. Within less than two weeks of the announcement, applications have exceeded twice the expected attendance of 200, demonstrating strong public interest in the current state of AI in shogi.

The Shogi World: Pioneering the Human-AI Relationship

The shogi world has been at the forefront of the AI era, experiencing 'human vs. AI' before other fields and now achieving 'human × AI' coexistence. As generative AI spreads and society increasingly asks, 'What is the right distance between humans and AI?', the shogi community's decade-long practical engagement with this question is now attracting attention beyond just shogi fans. This unprecedented response reflects that growing interest.

Event Attendance Motivation: 'Learning the Latest About Shogi AI'

A survey of applicants on their reasons for attending showed that 'to learn the latest shogi AI technology' was the top response with 210 applicants, followed by 'interest in learning or researching using shogi AI' with 162 (multiple responses allowed). The primary motivation centers on actively acquiring knowledge about AI's technological trends and practical applications, not just passive event attendance.

Press Coverage Invitation

This event, which has already attracted over 400 applicants before launch, offers press coverage opportunities. Featured speakers include Tayan, developer of 'Mizukumi'—a program that has won world shogi AI championships and is at the forefront of AI development—and Yaneuraou, the developer of 'Yaneuraou King,' the de facto open-source standard in shogi AI, which 'Mizukumi' partially utilizes. Professional shogi players and popular shogi YouTubers will also participate. Press coverage and filming are welcome on the following topics:

- Dialogue between AI Technology and Practical Play: Shogi AI developers and professional player Hiroki Tanai 5-dan (an engineer-shogi player researching AI at the University of Tokyo's Graduate School) will discuss the ideas and research methodologies behind AI development. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from frontline experts on 'how to effectively use AI.'

- The Perspective of a New AI Learner: Special guest Namiki Kamata from SKE48 will learn how to use shogi AI from professional player Taisei Nakamura 8-dan. Her journey as a non-expert engaging with AI will resonate with many readers and viewers.

For Those Unable to Attend

Due to venue capacity, 200 attendees will be selected by lottery. For those not selected, live updates will be posted on the Shogi Information Bureau editorial team's X (formerly Twitter) account (https://x.com/mynavi_shogi), and event recap articles will be published later on the 'Shogi Information Bureau' website (https://book.mynavi.jp/shogi/).

Event Program Details

For the full event program, please refer to the press release issued on PR TIMES on June 18, 2026:

'Free Event: Experience the Cutting Edge of Shogi AI! Shogi AI Summit 2026 Features SKE48's Namiki Kamata' (June 18, 2026)

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000135.000016440.html

Event Overview

Event Name: Shogi AI Summit 2026 powered by DAIV 10th Anniversary

Date and Time: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 12:15–18:00

Venue: Kabukiza Tower

Guests: Taisei Nakamura 8-dan, Hiroki Tanai 5-dan, Sakiko Kogami Women's 1st Dan, Tayan ('Mizukumi' developer), Yaneuraou ('Yaneuraou King' developer), Sora (Shogi YouTuber), Sugar (Shogi YouTuber), Special Guest: Namiki Kamata (SKE48)

Sponsors: Mouse Computer Co., Ltd., Okamura Corporation

Admission: Free

Registration: https://book.mynavi.jp/shogi/AIsummit202608/

About Mynavi Publishing

Mynavi Publishing Co., Ltd. operates under the mission 'Co-creating your tomorrow through knowledge, learning, experiences, and business.' Beyond traditional books and information dissemination, we provide experiential learning opportunities and platforms for reader interaction, supporting individuals in both their professional and personal lives.

[Company Overview] Founded in October 2015 as a spin-off from Mynavi Corporation's publishing division, we leverage 45 years of publishing expertise built through partnerships with major distributors. We aim to support people's work and daily lives through content in IT, shogi, world heritage, and lifestyle fields. Headquarters: 2-6-3 Ichigaya, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo President and CEO: Terunori Kakotake Official Website: https://pub.mynavi.jp/ Keywords: