Kana Fukuma, a professional shogi player in Japan, has addressed the Japan Shogi Association regarding existing rules that affect pregnant competitors. Ms. Fukuma contends that the current regulations compel players to choose between their careers and family planning.
Current Regulations
Under current shogi rules, players who become pregnant are replaced in competitions. This regulation results in players forfeiting all matches and potential titles during their period of absence. Ms. Fukuma highlighted that the rules stipulate a 14-week period during which pregnant players cannot compete, specifically from six weeks before their due date to eight weeks post-delivery.
Player Experience and Proposed Changes
Ms. Fukuma, who has competed professionally since 2003, experienced health-related issues during her pregnancy before giving birth in December 2024. These issues led to her withdrawal from multiple tournaments.
On Tuesday, Ms. Fukuma submitted a formal request to the association. Her proposals included:
- Adjusting match dates or venues to accommodate pregnant players.
- Permitting competition during pregnancy if a player's health allows.
- Implementing measures to prevent women from losing titles while on maternity leave.
Association Response and Public Reaction
The Japan Shogi Association has issued an apology to Ms. Fukuma for the current rule structure. The association stated its willingness to review and potentially revise the rules. Any changes would follow "discussions with experts while considering the safety of the mother and the fairness of title matches."
The dialogue between Ms. Fukuma and the shogi association has elicited varied responses across social media platforms. Some online commenters characterized the existing rules as "misogynistic," while others drew comparisons to practices in professional sports. For example, some users noted that professional tennis offers "protected rankings," enabling players returning from extended absences due to injury or maternity leave to re-enter major tournaments using their previous rankings.