Madoka Kitao

also a Shogi player. In 2008, she invented a small Shogi variant of 3 X 4 squares, named Let's Catch the Lion!, to attract children and girls to Shogi, which is presently the best seller of Shogi related games in Japan. Her love for Shogi, she says, is because the universe of Shogi is unlimited on the board of 81 squares, and by moving pieces with your own will and strategies, a unique world can be created, it’s such a stimulating game that she would like it to be shared by everyone. She communicates actively what Shogi is to girls, children and to the beginners through media and events. Regular personality of NHK TV program “Shogi Koza”, assisting Manabu Senzaki 8-Dans, broadcast on every Sunday morning nationwide in Japan, Oct. 09 - Mar. 10. 【Personal History】 Jan. 1980 　　Born in Tokyo, Japan Oct. 1997　 Admitted to Japan Shogi Association, School of Kazuyoshi Nishimura Oct. 2000 Granted professional Shogi player, Second kyu of Ladies’ professional Apr. 2001　 Promoted First kyu of ladies Shogi Oct. 2003　 First Dan of ladies Shogi Mar. 2008 Invented Dōbutsu Shōgi Jun. 2008　　　Winner of One day Tournament Tochinoki Cup Oct. 2009　 　Regular personality on NHK TV　Shogi program, assisting Senzaki 8-Dans Feb. 2010　 Established Nekomado Co., Ltd. Dec. 2010　 Became Master and Promotive Planning Partner of 81 Dojo (Interactive Shogi gaming web-site). http://81dojo.com/jp/ Aug. 2013　 Second Dan of ladies Shogi Official blog　 “SHOGI NO WA" (Link of Shogi) http://ameblo.jp/madoka-shogi/