- The Japan Shogi Association is apologizing for a rule banning pregnant players from title matches.
- The rule, introduced in 2024, is being revised following a request from player Fukuma Kana.
- A panel of experts will help create new, more accommodating rules regarding pregnancy and childbirth by April 2026.

A: Hey, did you hear about something with shogi?

B: No, what happened? Tell me!

A: Apparently, the shogi people were telling pregnant players they couldn't play in important games near their due dates. It was a rule they put in place last year.

B: Seriously? That sounds a bit unfair, doesn't it?

A: Yeah! But a really famous player, Fukuma Kana, asked them to change it. She lost a competition because of it last year.

B: Oh wow, that’s tough. So what did they do?

A: They’re apologizing now! They said they didn’t explain things very well.

B: That's good! Are they going to change the rule?

A: They are! They're going to talk to experts and female players to make a new, better rule.

B: That's a great idea. Hopefully, it’ll be much fairer for everyone.

A: They’re hoping to have the new rules ready by the end of April.