When I first tried this series by Shunju Aono, at the launch of the Sigikki site (no longer available) with its sample chapters, I thought it was predictable and awkward. Even Ed’s thoughtful recommendation of the first volume didn’t sway me. It wasn’t until reading volume 3 that the series clicked for me. Why then? Because that’s where I first got a true glimpse of Shizuo’s personality and the potential range of this story. So feel free to try the […]

After learning the need for hard work in the previous book, Moritaka and Akito reach several other serious milestones in this volume: they split up, and they challenge their editor by doing something the way they want to, instead of the way he tells them to. Making their own decisions is part of growing up. Since writer Akito didn’t deliver the promised story by the end of summer break, Moritaka holds to their deal, and sets out on his own. […]

The final tournament, begun in the last book, concludes here, as does the series. Given that this book ends the series, published here since 2004, I expected more of a punch. Instead, this read like just another installment. There’s something to be said for consistency, I suppose, and the ending message, all about how Go has a future, feels very Japanese in approach and emphasis. It just seemed odd to me that I felt as though I could read another […]