When I told to the persons from Japan about Husita Akihico 3Dan's in 14^th NongSim Cup held last winter, he was really surprised to hear that.

Even Japan's expectation for Japanese players to have good results in the world championship is kind of low, but it is lower in Nongsim Cup which Korea, China and Japan compete only. And people were so surprised when they checked Japan's members.

Murakawa Daiske 7Dan, Anjai Nobuaki 6Dan, Husita Akihiko 3Dan, Dakao Shinji 9Dan and Ida Achisi 3Dan were representatives from Japan.

Except Dakao Shinji 9Dan, other players were new. Especially Anjai and Husita are players who never got into the final of the world championship. It could be kind of giving opportunities to new players in Japan to get experiences, but it is risky. Many criticized a lot saying what the standard of choosing players is.

No matter of results and others, it is kind of good for Japan. It means Japan did not give up to compete against Korea and China, they are preparing to fight further. If Japan collapsed, it would not be so good for Baduk.

Below is the interview with Hong Malkensam who is running his own Baduk school in Japan.

- What do you think about the Japan's line up in NongSim Cup?
I think it would be good chances for new players and very brave orders.  But it would be better if there were selected tournaments for it as many want to play more games in Japan.

- The game is not enough in Japan?  
In average, players in Japan play 30 games per a year. Young Players say they need no money but more games. AI

- What about to have more games in study group?
Even study groups are very small. Imaken led by Jang Liyuo 7Dan is the biggest one but it is held one per a week with 30 players. We need people with power to have more study groups. "

- Tell me in detail
One example, Japan Baduk Association holds study groups often and force players to have it who become pro. Or if players got into the final of 7 major tournaments, then players are entitled to be free.

- Forcing sounds like to be very hard.  
So we need people who have power like Cho ChiHun 9Dan, Yoda Norimoto 9Dan etc. If they say that let is work together to boom up, then young players will follow up for it.

- Then are you sure Japan will change?

I am sure Japan will change and show it soon.

- Currently Iyama Yuta 9Dan is getting a lot of hopes?
He is not really powerful in the world championship. But we know he has many possibilities to level up. When players got good results and earn a lot of money, people want to learn Baduk and sponsor will like this. But the situation in Japan is getting worse.

- What about having more friendly matches against Korea and China players?  
We hope to and it must be. We have a channel with China but not with Korea. We should have more and more friendly matches with them.

- What about Inse In Japan?  
6 players got pro certification, which is very small compared to Korea and China's case. As it is very difficult, parents are hesitating to let child to learn Baduk in Japan. Even some parents are very passionate to support their child, it is still very difficult.
- What is difference to teach Baduk in Japan?  
Even I am in the Baduk school, I hear a lot of opinions from many places. We teach Baduk mostly by playing Baduk. It helps people to be creative in their own games. I agree we have not good results with it, but Korea and China players are too settled without creative.  

- What are bad points with it?
As people focus on playing Baduk, they are short of reviewing games and life and death problems. I think there are good and bad points in our system.