From: "'Shigeki Masui'" <smasui <at> BANET <dot> NET>
Date: 1 jun 2000
Subject: Many Thanks

Transferring a message from Mr.Chiaki Ito, who asked me to transfer as
he was unable to send message through Shogi-L although he has been
receiving messages as he is on the discussion list.
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Dear all,

This is my first time to write here in years, but I would like to make
some
comments on the World Shogi Champion in Armonk, NY.

First of all, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Masui san,
Hayashi san, Ogihara san, and many other organizers of New York Shogi
Club,
who worked so hard and made this fascinating event possible.  I was
honored
to be there, not only for playing games, but also for meeting wonderful
players around the world (such as Tony, George, Doug, Larry, Marc,
Christoffersen, Bjerke, to name a few) and discussing the future of
Shogi
popularization.  Flying half the way around the globe from Bangkok,
Thailand
for more than 10,000 miles, with a high fever, heavy and bothering
coughs,
and terrible jet lag, I could now claim that I am a true Shogi lover
(geek?)!  I must also admit that I am very contented with my results,
but,
more importantly, with the fact that I took some part in such a
memorable
event in Shogi history.

Now, regarding the organization and management of the tournament, I
totally
agree with Doug and many other people, claiming that the tournament was
a
total success, at least for everyone who were there.  As far as I see,
the
ride to and from the airport was excellently arranged, the room was well
prepared, many prizes and awards were distributed to many participants,
pros gave so many lessons to the participants, the Internet was used
first
time in the Shogi history to broadcast a live game from overseas, and so
forth.  This event just could not be better!  Most importantly, I think
most participants went back with some things and smile.  Thus, when I
have
gone through the emails regarding the WSC put up on the Shogi-L, I did
not
and still do not understand why some people complain about the event.

In addition, if people (such as Masui san) devote and invest a vast
amount
of time, energy, and perhaps money too, with a good intention and
sincere
efforts, I think anyone should first recognize it with respects and then
open his/her mouth.  These people have tried to do good things.  Why
does
anyone have to say things to discourage them to do so?  Put yourself in
their shoes and think how you feel!  Also, I am sure that hospitality
which
resulted from the detailed cared kindness was felt by all who were at
the
WSC.  In fact, it is just very sad and pity to know that the ones who
complain about the WSC seem to be those who were not there.  I just hope
you who did not come to the event were there.

However, there is always a room, in almost everything, to improve.  In
order to do that, we should discuss constructively but not abstructly.
So,
why do not we have a feedback survey, for instance, on those who
attended
the tournament over emails?  We can develop questionnaires and
distribute
them to the participants around the world.  By that, we will probably
have
some ideas on how they evaluated the event especially in terms of
tournament format.  I think that this will be a good suggestion for the
future tournament.

Again, it was the most impressive tournament I have ever attended in my
25
years of Shogi life, and it was very nice to meeting you all from all
over
the world!  If you ever come to Southeast Asia, please drop by Bangkok!
Let's play Shogi and Makruk (Thai Chess)!

Thank you

Best

Chiaki Ito
Bangkok, Thailand