Now you can obtain JSA's official dan/kyu certificates from overseas via 81Dojo

[Hidetchi]

Hi all,

here is the release from the Japan Shogi Association.

http://www.shogi.or.jp/topics/news/2015/03/81dojo_2.html

81Dojo launches a new system to approve an official dan/kyu level of each user for the menjo to be issued by the Japan Shogi Association. The users can apply for the ranks between 5-kyu and 6-dan based on the results of the games played at the site.

The JSA on the same day launches accordingly an English website for online menjo registrations, establishing a new system for non-Japanese shogi players worldwide to easily obtain dan/kyu certificates.

Please see also: http://81dojo.com/documents/index.php/Obtaining_official_JSA_dan/kyu_certificates

Regards,

Hidetchi

[bogin]

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Hi Hidetchi,

Would it be possible for you to clarify what you mean by "easily obtain"?  Do you mean "easily qualify" or "easily receive"? I am asking this because to the best of my knowledge the JSA typically charges a fee for such certificates. According to there website (http://www.shogi.or.jp/menjou/index.html), the prices range from 26,400 yen for a standard Shodan certificate to 270,000 yen for a standard 5 dan certificate. 

The way your message is worded seems to imply that the those who qualify via 81Dojo will get the certificate for free? Is that the case? If it is, then that a great deal because Japanese players who qualify for such certificates through play at JSA clubs in Japan or through newspapers, etc. typically have to purchase them, don't they? I received a card every time I was promoted a kyu or dan, but I was told by the staff at JSA Hombu (Sendagaya) that I would have to buy the certificate for Shodan and up if I wanted one.

Bill Gaudry

[Tomohide Kawasaki]

Dear Mill Gaudry,

Thank you for the question. I think that's a good point.

I think it should have been rephrased to "without difficulty" or "without complicity", instead of "easily".

The qualification will not be easier at all. The conditions for qualification at 81Dojo is pretty much "fair", I would say. Qualifying through newspapers etc in Japan is relatively "easier".

The menjo is not free. The price is same as before. The same price in Japanese Yen will apply to overseas players as well.

"Easily" meant, with this new system you can now have a way to obtain JSA menjo without going through complicated procedure. You will be qualified by just playing at 81Dojo, and you can order a menjo at the English website of the JSA.

The price of menjo is indeed high. That point doesn't change.

But a menjo is a very valuable thing that is worth that price. It is signed by the current Chairman (Tanigawa), Meijin, and Ryuou. Your name will be also registered to the registry book of the JSA.

There is an English page prepared by the JSA explaining what a "menjo" is.

http://shogimenjo.net/shogi/about_menjo.php

It is worth taking a look at.

Best regards,

Hidetchi

[Keith White]

Hoping this feature stays long enough for some of us to attain or strive to attain a certificate.
I read about something like this before, not the same of course but wasn't there some online route to get a ranking some years ago?

[ZaltysZ]

Hi Hidetchi,

I understand the value of menjo in material it is presented and in high standing of people who sign it, but does menjo have significant practical value in shogi world? In example, are there tournaments requiring certain Dan level, which can be proven by this menjo?

It seems this certification isn't very robust and can be exploited, because it is possible to become eligible not only via over the board play, but via newspapers, online quizzes and online play, where it is hard to ensure no side help is being used. Or am I talking about thinghs unthinkable? :)