[Takinoyu Hotel]

The Ryuo Room is also known as the venue for the Ryuo Tournament, the highest title match in the shogi world. It is no exaggeration to say that this Japanese-style VIP room was created specifically for the Ryuo Tournament.

The Story Behind the Birth of the Ryuo Room

The Ryuo Room was completed on November 30, 1994. That year, our hotel was preparing to host an important match, the Ryuo Tournament, the highest title match in the shogi world. It was the 6th game of the 7th Ryuo Tournament, where Ryuo Yasumitsu Sato was challenged by Master Yoshiharu Habu. Initially, our hotel was approached for the 5th game. The first four games were confirmed to be held, and the chances of holding the subsequent games decreased as the series progressed. Even though it was more likely to hold the 5th game, we had to change the plans. The reason was...the construction of the Ryuo Room would not be completed in time. Although it was possible to host the 5th game in another guest room as originally planned, our response was, "Can we change the hosting to the 6th game?" We believed that there was value in using the completed Ryuo Room for the first Ryuo Tournament. Thus, we requested to change the venue from the 5th game to the 6th game. On November 30, 1994, the VIP room Ryuo Room was completed. By that time, the best-of-seven Ryuo Tournament had already started, and Challenger Master Yoshiharu Habu had won three consecutive games. If Master Habu continued winning, the match would not have been held in the Ryuo Room. However, Ryuo Sato won two consecutive games, and as if by fate, the 6th game of the 7th Ryuo Tournament was held in the newly completed Ryuo Room from December 7 to 9. Later, in this Ryuo Tournament, Master Habu won 4-2, capturing the Ryuo title and achieving six crowns for the first time in history. The achievement of Master Habu’s six crowns and the inauguration of the Ryuo Room as the dedicated Ryuo Tournament room created a legendary stage that remains a memorable part of shogi history.