Newsfrom Japan

Tokyo, Dec. 13 (Jiji Press)—The Japanese government is considering granting the People's Honor Award to 47-year-old shōgi master Habu Yoshiharu and Iyama Yūta, a 28-year-old champion of the board game go, an official said Wednesday.

Last week, Habu became the first-ever shōgi player to win eisei lifetime honors for all seven major shōgi titles.

In October, Iyama accomplished the unprecedented feat of holding all seven major Japanese go titles simultaneously for the second time.

"They marked historic achievements that have given the public bright hope and courage," Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide told a press conference." Prime Minister Abe Shinzō has instructed us to consider whether to honor them."

The government is set to make formal decisions after hearing opinions from experts.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]