Nobuyuki Yashiki

[2] That same year, he entered the Japan Shogi Association's apprentice school at the rank of 6-kyū under the guidance of Toyoichi Igarashi [ja].

Yashiki's victory made him at the age of 18 years 6 months the youngest player to ever win a major title match at that time.

[7][b] Yashiki also set the record for shortest time between turning professional and winning a major title at 1 year 10 months.

[5] In 1997, Yashiki defeated Masataka Gōda to advance to the 68th Kisei title match against Hiroyuki Miura.

[14] Yashiki has won a number awards and honors throughout his career for his accomplishments both on an off the shogi board.