TV-Series
Description
Makoto Hani is a professional shogi player who holds the title of Meijin, the highest and most prestigious rank in Japanese professional shogi, comparable to a grandmaster in chess. He comes from a modest background: in his childhood, his father died in an accident, and after his mother passed away he decided to become a professional shogi player, leaving behind his younger brother Satoru to pursue that career. Makoto is a keen and perceptive man who has risen to the top of the shogi world and is widely regarded as the strongest player in the series, having defeated even highly skilled opponents such as Saori Nikaidou and Ayumi Saitou.
Makoto exudes a calm and collected demeanor. He is respectful toward lower‑ranked players and enjoys spending time with amateurs, patiently teaching them moves to help them climb the difficult ranking ladder. He lives a wealthy lifestyle but does not look down on others. His primary motivation is to remove the prejudices that exist against female shogi players and to create an environment where strong players can rise based purely on their ability. He is deeply committed to the game itself rather than to external rewards.
In the story, Makoto serves as a mentor figure to Saori Nikaidou, who regards him as a senior brother and holds deep admiration for him. He also becomes the ultimate test for the protagonist Shion Yasuoka, facing her in the final match of a major open tournament. His presence represents the highest level of shogi skill that Shion must strive to reach. Despite his importance, Makoto’s role is more that of an established pillar of the shogi world than a character who undergoes significant personal change; however, his interactions with Shion and Satoru reveal a layered personality shaped by past choices and responsibilities.
Makoto’s most notable ability is his exceptional shogi talent, which has earned him the Meijin title. His game is described as the strongest, and he is able to analyze positions deeply and outplay opponents with ease. He is also perceptive about people, quickly understanding the motivations and strengths of those around him. His teaching style reflects his patience and desire to see others improve, even if he sometimes keeps an emotional distance from his brother.
Makoto exudes a calm and collected demeanor. He is respectful toward lower‑ranked players and enjoys spending time with amateurs, patiently teaching them moves to help them climb the difficult ranking ladder. He lives a wealthy lifestyle but does not look down on others. His primary motivation is to remove the prejudices that exist against female shogi players and to create an environment where strong players can rise based purely on their ability. He is deeply committed to the game itself rather than to external rewards.
In the story, Makoto serves as a mentor figure to Saori Nikaidou, who regards him as a senior brother and holds deep admiration for him. He also becomes the ultimate test for the protagonist Shion Yasuoka, facing her in the final match of a major open tournament. His presence represents the highest level of shogi skill that Shion must strive to reach. Despite his importance, Makoto’s role is more that of an established pillar of the shogi world than a character who undergoes significant personal change; however, his interactions with Shion and Satoru reveal a layered personality shaped by past choices and responsibilities.
Makoto’s most notable ability is his exceptional shogi talent, which has earned him the Meijin title. His game is described as the strongest, and he is able to analyze positions deeply and outplay opponents with ease. He is also perceptive about people, quickly understanding the motivations and strengths of those around him. His teaching style reflects his patience and desire to see others improve, even if he sometimes keeps an emotional distance from his brother.