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JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI
Solid-gold shogi pieces are on display at Takashimaya’s store in Osaka.
OSAKA, JAPAN >> A set of shogi game pieces made of solid gold went on display Wednesday at Takashimaya’s store in Chuo Ward, Osaka.
The set, which is also available for sale, was the centerpiece of a gold fair that was held through Monday. It costs about 30 million yen (about $270,000), and was made in response to the popularity of the youngest professional shogi player, 15-year-old Sota Fujii, who holds the rank of fourth dan.
Fujii has a record-winning streak of 29 official games since his debut in December.
The gold set can be used in actual play, according to one of the sales staff: “You can play shogi with an elegant feeling, though the pieces are a little heavy.”
Also on display is a 2-meter-high shogi piece covered with about 1,700 pieces of gold leaf, which is not for sale. Admission is free.
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