Another insei who is friends with Hikaru, he performs exceptionally well in the first pro exam shown in the manga, remaining undefeated until his match with Hikaru. During this match, rumors about Hikaru's incredible strength add to the pressure of time constraints, causing him to misplace a stone. His attempt to move the stone after releasing it results in his resignation before Hikaru can accuse him of cheating. Consequently, he loses his next two games and misses his chance to become a pro. Later, he learns to manage his emotions and passes the following year's pro exam without losing a single game. Isumi also inadvertently helps Hikaru overcome his loss of Sai when their practice game makes Hikaru realize that through playing, he can find Sai within his moves, the Go that Sai passed on to him. Isumi's birthday is April 18th.
isumi shinichiro
-
Fujiwara No Sai
Main
A spirit from the Heian era of Japan and mentor of Hikaru Shindo. Sai continually plays Go in attempt to one day play the divine move (also known as the Hand of God). In the manga and anime, Sai had possessed the real-life figure Honinbo Shusaku and throu...
-
Shindou Hikaru
Main
Protagonist who is assisted by Sai. At the beginning of the series, Hikaru is a sixth grader in elementary school. An important factor in the development of Hikaru's passion for Go was an encounter early on where Hikaru becomes the rival of Akira Toya. At...
-
Touya Akira
Main
Birthday: December 14Hikaru's biggest rival and Kaio Middle School student. The son of Koyo Touya, Akira is already a very strong Go player when Hikaru first begins playing and is amazed by Hikaru's seemingly impossible strength. Since his first game with...
-
Ahn Tae-seon
Supporting
A prominent Korean player who has defeated Kurata 6-dan in the quarter final of Korea's Samsung cup. Kurata, who is referred to as "Japanese Ahn Tae-seon" in Korea, holds a particular grudge with him due to him (well-intentionedly and rather bluntly) aski...
-
Fujisaki Akari
Supporting
Hikaru's childhood friend. She begins to learn Go as well when Hikaru becomes interested and later joins the Haze Middle School Go club, serving as vice captain of the girls' team, despite her being a weak player. She also seems to have feelings for Hikar...
-
Fukui Yuta
Supporting
An insei and classmate of Waya who is known for his extremely fast-paced style of play. Although Waya is the stronger player, he cannot seem to defeat Fuku. Hikaru loses one game to him during the pro exam.(Source: Wikipedia)...
-
Honda Toshinori
Supporting
Honda is a strong insei who almost makes the top three players in the professional exam, but is beaten too many times and doesn't pass. However he has a potential to become a professional player and like Isumi Shinichirou, he intends to take the exam the ...
-
Hong Suyong
Supporting
Name in Hangul: 홍 수영A Korean Go professional, 2 years younger than Hikaru. He was 12 when he first appeared in the manga. During the month before the pro exam, Hikaru, Waya and Isumi traveled to go salons to sharpen their skills, and in one of them they m...
-
