An awkward chronicle indeed! It delves into a fascinating subject that at times seems to border on the profound. However, it never quite reaches that level. It hovers between providing character profiles of the players and an account of the game itself. As a result, neither half feels complete. At least for a reader like me, who craves much more depth on the progression of the game itself. In order for the intended game-driven narrative to have an impact, it really needs that extra detail. Unfortunately, it suffers from repetitiveness, which calls for sharper editing. Also, the beautiful flourishes of observational language are not frequent enough to make it an entirely aesthetically motivated read. But despite all that, the constant feeling of wanting more context around the play doesn't entirely take away from what is basically an enjoyable, albeit flat, experience of a niche area of history.

A book that could so easily have been mind-numbingly dull in the wrong hands. It is a work that might have lost its charm and failed to engage the readers if not for the masterful touch of Kawabata. However, Kawabata has managed to write it with such ease and simplistic beauty. His words flow like a gentle stream, carrying the readers along on a journey of emotions and experiences. The story unfolds in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Kawabata's ability to paint vivid pictures with his words and create characters that come to life on the page is truly remarkable. This book is a testament to his talent as a writer and a must-read for anyone who appreciates good literature.

\\n  *4-I-still-don't-understand-shit-of-the-art-of-go-stars*\\n

Kawabata Yasunari chronicles a go match between an old, sick, declining master and a young, modern, aggressive rising star for one of Japan's most popular newspapers. He does this from the perspective of someone relatively new and inexperienced at go. The book version of his account presents a detailed scheme of each step of the game, from the very beginning throughout its progression, until the dramatic conclusion.
Despite its seemingly simple, basic rule - surround more territory than the opponent - go is an extremely difficult game. It is presented as essentially being a military strategy that has sublimated itself into an art, similar to many other Japanese cultural activities and martial arts such as ikebana, the tea ceremony, karate, and judo.
Even as a total novice to the game, one can sense how meaningful and rich every single rule, scheme, and movement can be. For the players, the game is of utmost importance. They spend their free time between matches carefully reviewing what they've done so far and also playing other board games.
Kawabata finds himself completely hypnotized by the match. Inevitably, he is drawn to the personal lives of the two players, betraying a clear predilection for the old master. His words are so exalting that the reader, too, ends up caring and supporting him instead of the young champion.
I wrote "inevitably" because the total length of the match is approximately six months. The old master's health issues cause numerous postponements. During that time, Kawabata keeps visiting the man and often spends the night at the same hotels where he stays.
Overall, "The Master of Go" is probably one of my favorite Japanese literature books. It's a quite simple, short book. One could even argue that it's too "technical" about the go rules and has a slow pacing. However, I think it perfectly depicts Japanese society and culture. There's a Japanese art, even though it was first invented in China; it is now 100% Japanese. There's a clash between old and new, tradition and modernity, rules and rebellion. There's the ever-present nature, beautiful and heart-breaking, accompanying and reflecting the joys and sorrows of the protagonists. The writing, which may seem uncomplicated and plain at first, actually reveals itself to be poignant and extremely captivating. I found myself surprised when I reached the last page. It felt a lot like breaking up a spell.

In the world of competitive games, spectators can't help but erect heroes beyond the real powers that their chosen ones may have.

This is the way of destiny with human talents, both in the individual and in the race. There are numerous examples of the wisdom and knowledge that once shone brightly in the past and have faded in the present, but will shine again in the future.

The allure of creating larger-than-life heroes is deeply ingrained in our nature. We look for those extraordinary qualities and achievements that inspire us and give us hope.

In the realm of games, these heroes become symbols of excellence and aspiration.

However, it's important to remember that behind every hero, there is a real person with their own strengths and weaknesses.

We should not only idolize their achievements but also understand the hard work and dedication that went into them.

By doing so, we can draw inspiration from their stories and strive to reach our own potential.

Just as the wisdom and knowledge of the past have the potential to resurface and shine once more, we too can learn from history and use it to shape a better future.

I cannot begin to describe just how utterly fascinating this book is.

Before delving into it, I knew absolutely nothing about Go. However, from the very beginning, I found myself on the edge of my seat, holding my breath with every single move, every break, and every mishap that occurred.

I was witnessing something truly beautiful unfold before my eyes. It was almost as if I could feel the emotions of the players as vividly as if the game was happening right at this very moment.

Despite already knowing the outcome that was spoiled for us in the first chapter, the author's masterful storytelling made me completely forget about it.

It was an absolute wowowow moment, leaving me in awe of the author's talent and the captivating nature of the story.

7/10 stars


This is an interesting, unusual, and meditative little book. It showcases the uniqueness of Japanese culture in rather unexpected and powerful ways. The emotions experienced during a go match span the entire spectrum, from the cold calculation of strategies to the hot-headed anger when things don't go as planned, from the joy of triumph to the quiet despair of defeat. The clash of personalities and traditions in the final match of the 'invincible Master' serves as both a background and a metaphor for the changes happening within Japan itself.


As the quote states, "Shusai the Master would seem, in a variety of meanings, to have stood at the boundary between the old and the new. He had at the same time the lofty position of the old master and the material benefits of the new. In a day the spirit of which was a mixture of idolatry and iconoclasm, the Master went into his last match as the last survivor among idols of old."


There is a great deal of sadness in this book, a quiet grieving over the inevitable change and the destruction it brings. However, this sadness is alleviated by an appreciation of the new way, and a slow and dignified acceptance of the inevitability. There is also a strong sense of pride in the traditions, an unwavering and straight-backed adherence to the old ways and their meanings, such as honor, dignity, and propriety. The narrator's perspective is turned outward, and the emotions he feels are reactions to the impulses from the outside world, like nature and the people around him. The way Kawabata achieves the emotional depth of his novel/reportage is highly engaging, relying not only on the natural passage of time as seen in the changing seasons and weather patterns, but also on the actions of the protagonists.


You won't learn how to play go from this book, but you might gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and perspectives. To illustrate this, here's one last quote from the match between the narrator and an American he met on a train who insisted on playing: "He had the forms down well enough, but he had a way of playing thoughtlessly, without really putting himself into the game. Losing did not seem to bother him in the least. He went happily through game after game, as if to say that it was silly to take a mere game seriously. He lined his forces up after patterns he had been taught, and his opening plays were excellent; but he had no will to fight. If I pushed him back a little or made a surprise move, he quietly collapsed. It was as if I were throwing a large but badly balanced opponent in a wrestling match. Indeed this quickness to lose left me wondering uncomfortably if I might not have something innately evil concealed within me."


After reading this seemingly innocuous book, there is a lot to think about. It's fascinating to see how culture shapes our perceptions and informs our reality. This book was originally partly written as a series of dispatches from a real go match for Japanese readers. This aspect of being thrust into the middle of it all makes the reading experience both more alien and more captivating, and it is highly recommended for all those interested in Japan.

This is my first encounter with Kawabata, and I firmly believe it won't be the last.

When I started reading, I had a flurry of emotions. I was completely unfamiliar with the author's style, and I knew nothing about the game of go (and still find myself in the same position). However, as I delved deeper, I came to realize that the story isn't merely about the game of go; rather, it's about the clash of two generations and, we could say, two civilizations.

I consider myself a traditionalist, and I have a profound love for Japanese civilization. Their respect for tradition, elders, family, and others is truly admirable. Of course, their tradition has evolved to some extent, but they integrate the new in their own unique way, naturalizing it.

It's almost like the game of go itself. Originally a Chinese game, it only entered Japan after 10 centuries and became an art form.

I was always on the meijin's side.

When, on the train, there was a game between the journalist and the American, we could clearly see the difference between the two cultures. On one side, there was respect and good sense, while on the other, there was aggression and the warrior spirit (where winning is everything, regardless of the means).

Watching the game between the meijin and Otake 7-dan was like being a witness to the clash of tradition and modernity. One could sense how some wonderful things, attitudes, and ideas were fading away.

I think this is a global phenomenon, and it's much deeper than it appears in Japan.

I absolutely loved this book. It is an essential read for anyone interested in literature, culture, and the human condition.

This particular piece just didn't manage to captivate my interest. I have a deep affection for Snow Country, and I was truly anticipating something more substantial from this.

Perhaps it would hold greater significance and meaning for an individual who follows the game with a closer eye and more in-depth knowledge.

One has to simply smile when confronted with some of the cultural egotism that is present, especially when it is in relation to China. It is also important to bear in mind the context and the time when this was written.

Taking all these factors into account, it becomes clear that the perception and appreciation of this work can vary greatly depending on one's personal background, interests, and understanding of the cultural and historical context in which it was created.

While it may not have resonated with me on a profound level, it could potentially have a completely different impact on others who approach it from a different perspective.

Did I really just read a 200+ pages book? This book vividly narrates a go match between two players. Their characteristics personify the intense clash between tradition and innovation in a specific period of Japanese history. It's truly an astonishing experience. The detailed description of the go match makes me feel as if I were on the scene, witnessing every move and decision. The contrast between the traditional player, who adheres strictly to the old ways, and the innovative player, who dares to break the rules and explore new strategies, is both fascinating and thought-provoking.

However, the "just" here is actually incredibly fictional. The truth is that I'm extremely behind in reporting my actual reading on Goodreads. I have so many books that I've read but haven't had the time or energy to share my thoughts and reviews. It's a bit of a shame, really, because I want to share my reading experiences with others and engage in discussions. But life gets in the way sometimes, and I find myself constantly playing catch-up.

Nevertheless, this book about the go match has left a deep impression on me. It has not only introduced me to the world of go but also made me reflect on the importance of balance between tradition and innovation. I'm looking forward to reading more books that can offer such insights and inspiration.

A strange book for Kawabata's work, however, it is a faithful chronicle as he defined it of the last game of Go Shusai Honnimbõ, the great master of Go. The text plays with fiction and reality. We focus from the perspective of the journalist who narrates the encounter, and who is the alter ego of the author. It is undoubtedly a chronicle that tells the last battle of an era of go players to give way to the new generation, which loses reflectiveness and gains impetus. It is a pleasant and simple reading about Japanese dignity and discipline.

This work by Kawabata offers a unique insight into the world of Go and the changing times. The contrast between the old and new generations is vividly portrayed, highlighting the different values and approaches. The use of the journalist's perspective adds an element of authenticity and immediacy to the narrative. Through this story, we can not only learn about the game of Go but also gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and its evolution.

Overall, this book is a fascinating exploration of a particular moment in Go history and a celebration of the qualities that define Japanese society. It is a must-read for fans of Kawabata's work and anyone interested in Japanese culture, Go, or the intersection of the two.

A Lightly Fictionalized Account of a Final Go Match

In the generational transition from the old ways of honor, deference, and lineage to the new era of formal association rules, ranks, and strategy, a final Go match took place over several months. The game was non-linear, mirroring the feints and preparations of the pieces and formations. It was somewhat entangled, as it still largely described the progress of the game board. However, I have to admit that it had less substance than I initially expected. I guess this might be due to the complex nature of the game and the challenges in capturing its true essence. Despite this, the match was still an interesting exploration of the changing dynamics in the world of Go.

Perhaps future accounts will delve deeper into the strategies and emotions involved, providing a more comprehensive and engaging narrative. But for now, this lightly fictionalized account offers a glimpse into the final Go match and the generational shift it represents.

Overall, while it may not have fully met my expectations, it still holds value as a record of this significant event in the history of Go.

This book is about the report of the latest important game of the greatest Go master, which was written by Kawabata based on the reality. Since I myself have a great interest in Go games, this book was very attractive to me.

However, because I don't know how to play Go at all, my ideal mind couldn't fully enjoy reading it.

The detailed description of the game in the book made me feel as if I was on the scene, but without the basic knowledge of Go, I could only understand the general process and couldn't really appreciate the essence and charm of the game.

Nevertheless, this book still let me have a deeper understanding of the world of Go and the story behind the game, which is also a valuable experience.