From: Sunny SANO <KFF00705 <at> NIFTYSERVE <dot> OR <dot> JP>
Date: 8 dec 1995
Subject: some comments 1

DATE: 08-12-95

 I have received several comments on our new description system.
 Though they are addressed by E-mail quite politely, I think it better
to give my comment here in Shogi-L because they are all good remarks.

Following is a comment from Mr. (anonym) A;

: Consider the square 8 viii.  How am I to pronounce the name for this
:square?  "viii" has no word or name other than "Eight".  So is the
:square's name: "Eight Eight", or "Eighty-eight"?  How do the Japanese
:pronounce the names of the squares?

 I'm glad to hear it as thus we can see the difference between east
and west.

 Actually, we Japanese pronounce 8viii as "Hachi-Hachi" meaning
"Eight-Eight" though it may sound quite strange !

 This is also the point I have wondered whether the western system might
go well. . .

Few problems are on Japanese side:
Japanese Shogi fans and professional players remember and always mention
a fine move by its square code and piece name, like this,
" 5-7 Gin by NAKAHARA which has knocked down that strong YONENAGA "

It's something like tradition. I think they cherish it. Further I have
pondered upon the occasion when we dispatch the mission to the Occident.
Japanese playeres may do translate and can pronounce "Gin five-seven"
for 5-7 Gin, but will have a difficulty in transferring it to "Silver
5g". And as you might know well, it's practical that western people learn
several terms than to wait every Japanese player acquire speak English.
That's one reason.

Another problem is my respect for the chess culture:
Your chess notation like 3c, 5h is authentic one in chess, and further
the square itself is different. 3c in chess corresponds to 7g in Shogi!
How confusing !
On this point, after my stand point, I have to absolutely respect the
square for chess, no need to give it to Shogi.
To generously introduce other game essence might confuse and damage the
purity of the long tradition of chess;it's something to irritate the god
of chess, isn't it ?
That's what I have thought and felt like saying thank you very much for
his long time allowance.
(cont'd)

with regards,


 On the regrettable and hateful 54th memorial day
 of the Pearl harbour attack.
 May lay down peacefully and calm all the precious
 souls who have fought and died for their homeland.

*  personally claiming against Japanese government like this;
  "I know that you do want USA apologyze for atomic bomb saying
  that people in Hiroshima won't be saved without that. Then why
  don't you do first the thing you think is right? Why not dispatch
  an official mission to Hawaii and worship at graves of military
  and citizens sacrificed by Japan's attack without notice ?
  You have to officially apologyze it, and pray for the souls who
  have bravely fought and died for the homeland, and acknowledge
  that their glory is still pending in paradise because they are
  not honored as death in battle as they had not officially
  accepted your war declaration. Their souls need your official
  comment. Go now, soon to Hawaii and pray and apologuze for it."

  Since 50 years after World War II, Japanese goverment has not
  dispatched the mission. I think Japan is evaluated by the world
  as it should be.

(It's not a political comment, but just every Japanese has to
 think about just today)

K. "Sunny" SANO