May 2017 – Shogi, 将棋, and Japanese Chess

Shogi Arrives in America

May 16, 2017 tgenedavis Shogi

The first known game of shogi in America took place in June of 1860 at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. Japan had recently ended its 250 years of isolation, and sent a mission to the USA to ratify the Treaty of Friendship.

Japanese Embassy 1860 — The attire worn to the Athenaeum by the Japanese delegation likely looked similar to what is worn by these 1860 delegates. It is not known if any of these delegates where among those visiting the Athenaeum.