Kazuharu Shoshi

is a retired Japanese professional shogi player who achieved the rank of 8-dan.

Shogi professional On April 1, 2026, the announced Shoshi had met the conditions for mandatory retirement for "Free Class" players and his retirement would become official upon completion of his final scheduled game of the 20262027 shogi season. Shoshi's retirement became official upon losing to Akira Shima on May 13, 2026, in a 39th Ryūō Group 6 game. He finished his career with a record of 405 wins and 585 losses for a winning percentage of 0.409.

Promotion history The promotion history for Shoshi is as follows: 5-kyū: 1978 1-dan: 1980 4-dan: June 27, 1985 5-dan: April 1, 1987 6-dan: October 29, 1992 7-dan: April 27, 2005 8-dan: April 1, 2026 Retired: May 13, 2026

Awards and honors Shoshi received the Japan Shogi Association's "25 Years Service Award" in 2010 for being an active professional for 25 years.

Publications Shoshi has written several books on shogi, including a standard manual on shogi handicap opening theory.

Xiangqi Shoshi also plays xiangqi representing Japan in world tournaments and won the first prize in 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2015 in the non-Chinese/Vietnamese category. He holds the rank of Federation Master.