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Japan Shogi Association Column Endorses The Ryuo's Work is Never Done!
posted on by Kim Morrissy
Japan Shogi Association columnist and shogi instructor Kei Mizutome endorsed Shirow Shiratori's The Ryuo's Work Is Never Done! in an article introducing four "must-read" novels about shogi.
Mizutome wrote: "Until very recently, shogi writings could be sorted into three categories: descriptions of real-life games, mystery novels, and manga. The Ryuo's Work Is Never Done! came in like a whirlwind. Through the unlikely combination of shogi and elementary schoolgirls, the story is supported by both the shogi world and the light novel world and managed to win the Shogi Pen Club Grand Prize. It's also been adapted into an anime, so many of you may know of it from there."
SB Creative's GA Bunko label began releasing the series in Japan in 2015. BookWalker Global began releasing it in English in 2017. BookWalker Global describes the story:
The Ryuo's Work Is Never Done! (working title) is about a teenage boy named Yaichi Kuzuryuu who happens to be the strongest shogi player in history, holding the top title of “Ryūō” (Dragon King). One fateful day, shogi-loving elementary student, Ai Hinatsuru, appears before him claiming that he promised to be her master. But was such a promise really ever made? Thus began their master and disciple relationship!Who can match their level of intensity and passion for shogi?
Mizutome wrote that one of the enjoyable aspects of the series is how it incorporates many anecdotes and cameos from the real-life world of shogi. "If you're a fan of the shogi world, you can probably imagine who the Meijin and the Maestro are based on. The issue of the 'Final Judgement' also manifests in the story, so you can see the love and research that the author poured into it."
The other titles that Mizutome recommended were Banjō no himawari (The sunflower on the board) by mystery writer Yūko Yuzuki, Nakimushi shottan no kiseki (The miracle of crybaby Shottan) by 6-dan shogi professional Shōji Segawa, and Satoshi no seishun (Satoshi: A Move for Tomorrow) by Yoshio Ōsaki, which tells the life story of Satoshi Murayama.
The Ryuo's Work Is Never Done! took first place in the Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! yearly rankings for 2017 and 2018. It was adapted into a television anime that debuted in January 2018.
Source: Japan Shogi Association (Kei Mizutome) via Otakomu
