Professional Shogi Player Hiroki TaniAi's 'KIOU AI' to be Featured in Shogi Game 'KIOU'
Nekonome Co., Ltd. has announced that it will integrate 'KIOU AI,' developed by professional shogi player Hiroki TaniAi, into its competitive shogi game 'KIOU,' set to be released in May 2026.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 26, 2026 at 04:22
- 🔍 Collected: May 25, 2026 at 20:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 25, 2026 at 20:03 (1 min after Collected)
Nekonome Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Sean Kudo) has announced that its upcoming competitive shogi game 'KIOU,' scheduled for release in May 2026, will feature 'KIOU AI,' an AI developed by professional shogi player Hiroki TaniAi.
Developed by leveraging both TaniAi’s practical experience as a professional player and the expertise in AI development acquired at the University of Tokyo Graduate School, 'KIOU AI' delivers a gaming experience tailored to players of all skill levels, from beginners practicing to experts engaged in serious matches.
[Professional Player and AI Researcher — Hiroki TaniAi]
While active as a professional shogi player, Hiroki TaniAi has completed his master's degree at the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo and has been engaged in the development of shogi AI and computer shogi.
His achievements include participating in the World Computer Shogi Championship with his own software, delivering a keynote speech at the international Python conference 'PyCon JP 2021,' and authoring the book 'Analyzing Fujii Sota's Choices Through AI Analysis' (published by Mynavi Publishing). He continues to be active in both the worlds of shogi and information technology.
'KIOU AI' is the result of combining these two perspectives: his intuition on the shogi board and his technical knowledge as an AI developer.
['KIOU AI' Supporting Your Every Move]
Featured in 'KIOU,' the 'KIOU AI' supports players by guiding them on their next best move.
- Supporting Beginners: When players do not know what move to make next, 'KIOU AI' provides suggested moves, allowing them to finish a game enjoyably without hesitation.
- Deepening Learning for Intermediate Players: Players can naturally learn shogi strategies by understanding why certain moves are better through selectable move options.
- Responding to Expert Research: With the high-precision reading typical of authentic AI, it serves as a partner for self-reflection in one's own shogi research.
Addressing anxieties at the entry point of shogi, such as 'it's too strong to win' or 'I get stuck not knowing what move to make,' 'KIOU AI' was created with the perspective of both a professional player and an AI researcher. By gently supporting every next move, it accompanies the journey of all shogi players, from the very first step to expert study.
[Comment from Hiroki TaniAi]
'In recent years, the evolution of shogi AI has been incredibly fast, and the way we interact with AI continues to change. I plan to continuously incorporate new technologies and updates into KIOU AI to ensure that KIOU becomes a user-friendly platform for all shogi enthusiasts. In this age of AI, I aim to create an AI that can grow alongside its users.'
Developed by leveraging both TaniAi’s practical experience as a professional player and the expertise in AI development acquired at the University of Tokyo Graduate School, 'KIOU AI' delivers a gaming experience tailored to players of all skill levels, from beginners practicing to experts engaged in serious matches.
[Professional Player and AI Researcher — Hiroki TaniAi]
While active as a professional shogi player, Hiroki TaniAi has completed his master's degree at the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo and has been engaged in the development of shogi AI and computer shogi.
His achievements include participating in the World Computer Shogi Championship with his own software, delivering a keynote speech at the international Python conference 'PyCon JP 2021,' and authoring the book 'Analyzing Fujii Sota's Choices Through AI Analysis' (published by Mynavi Publishing). He continues to be active in both the worlds of shogi and information technology.
'KIOU AI' is the result of combining these two perspectives: his intuition on the shogi board and his technical knowledge as an AI developer.
['KIOU AI' Supporting Your Every Move]
Featured in 'KIOU,' the 'KIOU AI' supports players by guiding them on their next best move.
- Supporting Beginners: When players do not know what move to make next, 'KIOU AI' provides suggested moves, allowing them to finish a game enjoyably without hesitation.
- Deepening Learning for Intermediate Players: Players can naturally learn shogi strategies by understanding why certain moves are better through selectable move options.
- Responding to Expert Research: With the high-precision reading typical of authentic AI, it serves as a partner for self-reflection in one's own shogi research.
Addressing anxieties at the entry point of shogi, such as 'it's too strong to win' or 'I get stuck not knowing what move to make,' 'KIOU AI' was created with the perspective of both a professional player and an AI researcher. By gently supporting every next move, it accompanies the journey of all shogi players, from the very first step to expert study.
[Comment from Hiroki TaniAi]
'In recent years, the evolution of shogi AI has been incredibly fast, and the way we interact with AI continues to change. I plan to continuously incorporate new technologies and updates into KIOU AI to ensure that KIOU becomes a user-friendly platform for all shogi enthusiasts. In this age of AI, I aim to create an AI that can grow alongside its users.'
FAQ
How was 'Kisou AI' developed?
It was developed by Koji Tani, a professional shogi player and AI researcher at the University of Tokyo, leveraging both his practical experience as a player and technical knowledge in AI development.
What are the main features of 'Kisou AI'?
It offers beginner-friendly move guides, intermediate-level support for thinking about moves, and high-precision analysis for advanced players, tailored to support players of different skill levels.
When is 'Kisou (KIOU)' scheduled for release?
It is scheduled for release in May 2026.
What activities is Koji Tani, the developer, involved in?
While active as a professional shogi player, he also conducts AI research at the University of Tokyo, participates in the World Computer Shogi Championship, speaks at events like 'PyCon JP 2021', and writes books on shogi AI.
What is Koji Tani's approach to this project?
He aims to create an AI that grows with its users, continuously incorporating new technologies and updates.