It is time to open 3 major tournaments in Japan to develop Japan Baduk
Jang She 9Dan and Yamasita Gaigo 9Dan are having 3 major tournaments in Japan. But they are out of 30th rank in the world rank. It is because Japan repused to open their tournament mainly.
It is Japanese Baduk player who earns the biggest money this year too. Japan Baduk Association has not been made it public, but considering the tournament's winning price in Japan, without any doubt, Yamasita Gaigo and Jang She, two players are known to be earned more than Lee SeDol in Korea. People are hard to see their name in the world championship, but they are top in the prize money.
¢®¢®By the Fujitsu Cup in a halt, it seems that Japan is hiding their existence in the world baduk society.
It is said that only one way to overcome this difficulty is opening their tournament to all. So that they competing with others fiercely. It is said to be true in the short term, as Japanese players said that all tournament will be taking by foreign players then how can we live with it?
¢®¢®It is true perhaps; this trend can't be changed easily in the short term. But anger and pain will raise them up in the end. At least people from other countries believe it. No one can blame their behavior, but as a baduk fan we want to see they recover this difficulty on their own and again compete together with Korea and China.
¢®¢®China has started their league for 13 years much earlier than Korea and Japan. This year they are preparing to open the biggest world baduk championship. Korea has gotten out of this difficulty by opening all tournaments to all including amateur players. Japan has a great history of baduk in the past and people respect and believe their power inside. I hope they show their ability in the near future and compete together with Korea and Chian again.
From JoongAng Ilbo