From: bogin YAHOO CO JP> Date: 21 sep 2002 Subject: Shogi Symbols Dear Raza 2002, Shogi pieces have actually 2 character names. Most shogi sets that you buy will have both characters written on the pieces. However, often for TV, books and computer programs only one character is used simply because it's easier to see one big character than 2 smaller ones. Probably the manga you're reading uses 2 characters to make it more authentic. Here's how the 2 characters are read in Japanese. King: O-Shou Rook: Hi-Sha Dragon: Ryuu-O Bishop: Kaku-Gyou Horse: Ryuu-Ma ( Shortened to Uma ) Gold: Kin-Shou Silver: Gin-Shou Promoted: Nari-Gin Knight: Kei-Ma Promoted: Nari-Kei Lance: Kyou-Sha Promoted: Nari-Kyou Pawn: Fu-Hyou Promoted: To-Kin If you ever here a TV commentary about a game or Japanese speakers talking about a game quite usually the second character ( though Kyou-Sha and Kei-Ma are often used ) is eliminated except for the Rook which often just called Sha and the Horse which is almost always called Uma. Also, the King is more than often referred to as Gyoku. Finally, the Promoted Silver, promoted Knight, promoted lance, and promoted pawn are always referred to using 2 characters. I may have made some mistakes so if any body out there has different info. then feel free to join in. Bill Gaudry __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! BB is Broadband by Yahoo! http://bb.yahoo.co.jp/