Otake Hideo 9p Retired

Otake Hideo 9p, 79 years old, retired on the 15th of January. Otake Hideo is known for being one of the strongest players in Japan, starting from the end of the sixties all the way to the early nineties. He was one of the first students of the Kitani dojo who became professional go players. His first major title dates back from 1969 (8th Judan), followed by the Zen Nihon Daiichi-i, which was the precursor of the Gosei title. Subsequently, he also won the bigger titles and was eventually named Honorary Gosei, for winning the title 5 times in a row (held it for 6 consecutive years). His last major title was won in 1994 when he won the big title that started it all; the 32nd Judan.

During his years as a professional player, he also wrote many go books, of which “Opening Theory Made Easy” is the one he is best known for in the west.

Furthermore, “Aesthetic” Otake, as he is also known, served as president of the Nihon Ki-in from 2008 until 2012.