Okan

The Okan is a title for players of the Nihon Ki-in Central Branch, organized by the Chunichi Shimbun and the Nihon Ki-in Central Branch. The challenger who wins through a 12-player tournament plays a single game against the Okan.

Watching notes

The title match is a single game. Everything is decided in one game, and that all-or-nothing tension is the appeal. Each player has 4 hours in both the title match and the main tournament.

Tournament data

• Organizers: Chunichi Shimbun, Nihon Ki-in Central Branch
• Eligibility: Players of the Nihon Ki-in Central Branch
• Format: 12-player tournament. The winner plays the title match
• Title match: Single-game match
• Time limit: 4 hours in both the title match and the main tournament

Source: Nihon Ki-in "Tournament information" (as of Oct 2026). Please check the tournament's official site for the latest information.