Kisei (棋聖) is one of the eight major titles in Japanese professional shogi.
The word Kisei means an excellent player of shogi or go and has been translated as "shogi saint"[citation needed] (棋 ki 'shogi player' + 聖 sei 'excellent person').
The challenger for Kisei title holder is determined by first, second, and final preliminary rounds.
The player that wins three games out of five first in the championship will become the new Kisei title holder.
Active players may qualify for this title, but it is only officially awarded upon their retirement or death.