Shigeo Morishita

Morishita is sociable, competitive and invested in teaching younger players. He runs his study group in a relatively informal atmosphere while still expecting participants to take their Go seriously.

His rivalry with Kouyou has lasted since they became professionals together. Kouyou's far greater title success does not stop Morishita from measuring himself against him.

Morishita is also willing to support players outside his formal student group. Once Hikaru begins attending, Morishita treats him as a serious young player rather than simply Waya's friend.

Morishita is a 9-dan professional with decades of competitive experience. Although he does not dominate the title scene like Kouyou, his rank and position as a teacher establish him among Japan's accomplished senior professionals.

His study group emphasizes playing and reviewing games with stronger opponents. This gives young players access to professional analysis that they would not receive through insei league games alone.

Morishita's students include Waya and Kouji Saeki, while Michio Shirakawa is another professional he has mentored.

Morishita enters Hikaru's life through Waya, who invites him to attend his teacher's study group. Hikaru's participation broadens his professional network and gives him a setting in which experienced players can evaluate his progress.

Morishita also provides perspective on Kouyou from someone who began his career at the same time but followed a very different professional path.

As Hikaru becomes a professional, the Morishita study group remains one of the places where he can study serious Go outside official matches.

Yoshitaka Waya is Morishita's student and a regular member of his study group. Morishita guides Yoshitaka Waya during his attempts to enter the professional ranks.

Hikaru Shindou begins attending Morishita's study group at Waya's invitation and benefits from Morishita's professional analysis.

Kouyou Touya became a professional in the same year as Morishita. Morishita continues to regard Kouyou Touya as a rival despite Kouyou's extraordinary title record.

Kouji Saeki is another player in Morishita's professional circle and study group.

Michio Shirakawa is a professional whom Morishita has also mentored.