With events on two recent weekends, the Seattle Go Center celebrated 17 years of teaching and sharing the game of go. Hiroshi Yamashiro 9P, the V.P. of the Nihon Ki-in, and Hiroko Shinkai 5P, a former student of Go Center founder Kaoru Iwamato 9P, visited the Go Center from September 13 – 16, playing simultaneous games and giving lectures. They also attended the anniversary party, which featured the koto ensemble “Silk Strings”. At speeches during the party on September 15, which also was attended by Japanese Special Consul Hana and AGA President Andrew Okun, both the Seattle Go Center and Nihon Ki-in “reaffirmed their commitment to Iwamoto-sensei’s vision, and to cooperating over the long term toward achieving that vision together.” More information on the visit by the Nihon Ki-in is posted here.
The SGC Anniversary Tournament attracted 20 players on Sunday, September 23. The Open Section was won by Ho Son, with Edward Kim second and Kum Kang Lee third. The handicapped Section A was won by Chris Kirschner, with Frank Brown second. Section B was won by Gordon Castanza, with Yukiko Miyake second. Tournament Director was Bill Chiles, with assistance from Dan Top, and also from John Hogan, who provided support by phone from his new home in Michigan.
Photo: Hiroshi Yamishiro 9P playing simultaneous games at the SGC. Photo and report by Brian Allen.