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Reiko Kobayashi (1939–1996), Japanese professional Go player

Japanese Go professional Reiko Kobayashi (born Reiko Kitani), a 7-dan at the Nihon Ki-in, active in the mid‑20th century and recognized among leading women players in Japan.

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Reiko Kobayashi (小林禮子, 1939–1996), originally known as Reiko Kitani (木谷禮子), was a Japanese professional Go player affiliated with the Nihon Ki‑in. She attained the professional rank of 7‑dan, a senior dan grade that reflects a long career of competitive play and study. Contemporary records list her under both family names used during different periods of her life.

As a woman who reached the upper professional dan levels in the 20th century, Kobayashi belonged to a generation that helped increase visibility for female players in Japan. High-ranking professionals typically participate in national and regional tournaments, provide game commentary, and may take part in instruction and mentoring; Kobayashi’s status positioned her among the more experienced women in the professional community.

Professional context and significance

The professional dan system used in Japan ranks players from 1‑dan pro up to 9‑dan pro. Reaching 7‑dan signifies sustained achievements and recognition by a governing body such as the Nihon Ki‑in. The Nihon Ki‑in itself is the principal organization that manages professional certification, organizes tournaments, and promotes Go in Japan. For more on the organization, see the Nihon Ki‑in profile pages: Nihon Ki‑in.

Career and legacy

Specific tournament records and game collections for Kobayashi are catalogued in historical archives and professional databases; readers seeking game records or a biographical summary can consult specialized resources or a professional profile entry: professional profile. Her career contributes to the documented history of women in professional Go and to the broader competitive scene of the postwar period.

About Go and further reading

Go is a strategic board game with a millennia‑long history in East Asia. For general background on the game and its rules, see introductory materials on Go: Go (game). For researchers and enthusiasts interested in Kobayashi’s games, searching Nihon Ki‑in records and historical tournament summaries is recommended.

  • Name: Reiko Kobayashi (formerly Reiko Kitani)
  • Life: 1939–1996
  • Rank: 7‑dan professional
  • Affiliation: Nihon Ki‑in (organization page)

Because public biographical detail beyond rank and affiliation can be limited for many mid‑20th‑century professionals, specialist Go archives and the Nihon Ki‑in remain the best sources for verified game records and detailed career timelines.

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AlegsaOnline.com Reiko Kobayashi (1939–1996), Japanese professional Go player

URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/81962

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