ヒカルの碁 [Hikaru no Go] #10

Hikaru no Go, Vol. 10: Lifeline

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The main round of the pro test has begun. Everyone's feeling the pressure, no one more so than Hikaru's friend Isumi, who has failed the test twice before. Fighting off his feelings of self-doubt, Isumi faces his next opponent, who turns out to be Hikaru. But a careless mistake lands the pair in an awkward position!

203 pages, Paperback

First published December 4,2000

About the author

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Yumi Hotta (堀田 由美 Hotta Yumi, most often written as ほった ゆみ) is a Japanese mangaka, best known as the author of the best-selling manga and anime series Hikaru no Go, about the game of go that is widely credited for the recent boom of the game in Japan. The idea behind Hikaru no Go began when Yumi Hotta played a pick-up game of go with her father-in-law. She thought that it might be fun to create a manga based on this traditional board game, and began the work under the title of Nine Stars (九つの星 Kokonotsu no Hoshi), named for the nine "star points" on a go board. She later worked with Takeshi Obata (the illustrator) and Yukari Umezawa (5-Dan, the supervisor) in the creation of Hikaru no Go. She won the 2000 Shogakukan Manga Award and the 2003 Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize for Hikaru no Go.

Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 39 votes)
5 stars
10(26%)
4 stars
13(33%)
3 stars
16(41%)
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0(0%)
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39 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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Tension, tension, tension. Toya's attempt to uncover the mystery behind Shindo's rapid ascent has won over another believer. The elderly men taking the test tumble over the cliff. Good friends put each other's determination to the test.

But why do these volumes have to be consumed so rapidly? Is it because the story is so captivating that readers can't resist? Or perhaps there is an underlying urgency that compels them to devour the pages. Maybe it's the anticipation of what will happen next, the desire to know the truth behind Shindo's success.

As the plot thickens and the tensions rise, readers are left on the edge of their seats, eager to turn the page and discover what lies ahead. The mystery deepens, and Toya's quest becomes even more perilous. Will he be able to solve the mystery and expose the truth? Only time will tell.

July 15,2025
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I don't know how this comic manages to be so damn exciting. It truly is.

This whole volume is just a series of games they're playing against each other, determining who goes pro. The tension is simply amazing.

Akira is really scary when he's being so obsessively competitive with Hikaru. He's extremely intense.

Probably that's why he's my favourite character in this comic.

The way the author has crafted the story and the characters is just outstanding.

The competition between Akira and Hikaru is not only about winning or losing but also about their personal growth and development.

It's fascinating to see how they push each other to become better players.

The illustrations in the comic are also very good, adding to the overall atmosphere and excitement.

I can't wait to read the next volume and see what happens next in their journey.
July 15,2025
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It's not a bad manga by any means. The story has its moments and the art style is quite decent. However, it just didn't manage to capture my heart in the way that some other mangas have. Maybe it's because the characters didn't resonate with me as strongly as I would have liked. Or perhaps the plot didn't have enough twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat. Despite these drawbacks, I can still appreciate the effort that went into creating this manga. It's clear that the author has a certain level of talent and creativity. I'm sure there are many other readers out there who will enjoy this manga more than I did. Overall, it's an okay read, but just not my favorite.

July 15,2025
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So now I am up to volume 10. This series is truly addictive. I have finally broken out my Go books. Yes, I am going to try to start playing Go again! I'll bet I can beat some smarty-pants 12-year-old Go prodigy. Har har har.


Anyway, my last review was incorrect. In this volume, Yumi Hotta helpfully provides a score sheet for all of the players taking the professional Go test. It's an ongoing series of games that spans weeks for the characters and so far, four volumes for the readers. Hikaru is 13, not quite 14 yet.


Anyway, there wasn't a lot of forward progression in terms of plot in this volume. Hikaru is still playing games in the pro test trials, just like the last three volumes. But still, if you've come this far, you're invested in these fictional Go players and their tallies of wins and losses. Hikaru has a winning streak which is broken, but he recovers. A major cinch point comes when he is playing Isumi, an older boy more desperate than Hikaru is to make it to the end because he's failed the test three times. The stress and tension they show these kids under is quite phenomenal, and probably quite realistic. You'd think they were competing in the Hunger Games. Isumi does something that is a no-no in Go; he moves a piece after he took his finger off of it. According to the rules, this means he has just forfeited the game. Will Hikaru call him on it and win on a technicality, or will he play through?


One by one the final competitors are winnowed down to a handful, including one of the youngest Insei, Kosuke Ochi, who is an insufferable little brat and just the sort of obsessive little twit you can imagine having no life outside of Go. Man, I want to see Hikaru not only beat this kid, but beat him with blunt objects.


Ochi has a rich grandfather who hires professional Go players to tutor him, so who shows up to help prep Ochi for his game against Hikaru on the final day? Akira Toya, of course.


This volume maintains tension and interest in one Go game after another, but I'm only giving it four stars because, come on Hotta, sooner or later you have to wrap up this pro test storyline. Either Hikaru's going to make it or he's not.
July 15,2025
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The ups and downs of the pro exam!

I was truly looking forward to volume 11. However, someone has already borrowed it from the library. So, I might have to wait for about a month before I can get my hands on it and start reading. T_T

Anime-manga match-up:

Episode 38 corresponds to volume 10 up to page 49 (matches 79-80).

Episode 39 covers volume 10 pages 52-89 (matches 81-82).

Episode 40 includes volume 10 pages 91-135 (matches 83-84).

Episode 41 consists of volume 10 pages 138-177 (matches 85-86).

The first half of episode 42 is based on volume 10 pages 179-203 (match 87).

This detailed breakdown helps fans keep track of the progression from the anime to the manga. It also shows how closely they are related.

Despite having to wait for volume 11, I can still enjoy the anime and refer back to this match-up to enhance my understanding and enjoyment of the story.

Hopefully, the wait won't be too long, and I can continue exploring the exciting world of the pro exam through the manga.

July 15,2025
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Another 5 Star Volume!



by Barbara Kelley



This volume focuses on games 1 through 20 of the Pro Test Exams. As of game 20, the standings are quite interesting. Ochi has only 1 loss, while Waya has 2 losses. Shindo and Isumi both have 3 losses, and Honda has 4 losses. It's important to note that if there are multiple players tied for 3rd place, there will be playoffs to determine who becomes the 3rd pro. Only the top 3 players will achieve the status of a professional Go player. A pro not only gets paid to play Go but also has the opportunity to rise in rank from 1 Dan to 2 Dan, 3 Dan, and so on, all the way up to 9 Dan if they win most of their games. Additionally, they can attempt to earn other titles such as Ju Dan (equivalent to a 10 Dan), Meijin, Oza, and Ho'Ninbo. I have truly learned a great deal from reading this series. With a total of 23 volumes in the series, I am excited to continue my exploration. I have given this volume another well-deserved 5 star rating! Next on my reading list is Volume 11. I can't wait to see what new adventures and insights it will bring.
July 15,2025
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Touya feels Shindo's breath on his neck as he is truly very close to arriving in the professional Go world.

He can sense the anticipation and excitement building up within him. The journey to this point has been filled with countless hours of practice and dedication.

Every game, every move, has brought him closer to this goal. Now, with just a little more to go, he can almost taste the success.

Shindo's presence beside him is both a source of inspiration and a reminder of the fierce competition that awaits. But Touya is determined to prove himself and make his mark in the professional Go scene.

He takes a deep breath, focuses his mind, and readies himself for the final push towards his dream.
July 15,2025
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The protest is in full swing as Hikaru and his companions give their all. The pressure is palpable on all sides.

Volume 10 is predominantly composed of tension and anxiety regarding the matches and how they unfolded. Nevertheless, there are some interesting subplots in this installment. Ochi discovers an unexpected teacher in Akira, who even shares a secret with him that he has never revealed to anyone else.

Hikaru has to come to terms with a win he achieved through resignation as the opposing player made a conduct mistake. With Sai's assistance, he manages to overcome this. Additionally, we briefly learn about the challenges faced by the adult players in the tournament due to its two-month duration.

Hikaru No Go remains an outstanding manga series, with its keen focus on characters, their relatable motivations, and its ability to make the game of go truly exciting.
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