Makoto Nakahara

is a Japanese retired professional shogi player who achieved the rank of 9-dan. He was one of the strongest shogi players of the Shōwa period (1926–1989) and holds the titles of Lifetime Kisei, Lifetime Meijin, , Lifetime Ōi, and Lifetime Ōza.

Shogi professional Nakahara retired from professional shogi in March 2009 at age 61 for health reasons.

Theoretical contributions Nakahara won the Kōzō Masuda Award in 1996 for developing the "Nakahara castle" as a counter strategy to the Side Pawn Capture opening.

Major titles and other championships Nakahara appeared in 91 major title matches and won 64 major titles during his career. He won the Kisei title sixteen times, the Meijin title fifteen times, the eleven times, the Ōi title eight times, the Osho title seven times, Oza title six times, and the Kioh title once. He holds the titles of Lifetime Kisei, Lifetime Meijin, , Lifetime Ōi, and Lifetime Ōza.

In addition to major titles, Nakahara won 28 other shogi championships throughout his career.

Major titles Title Years Number of times overall Meijin 197281, 198587, 199092 15 Kisei 1968–1969, 1970–1972, 1977–1979, 1988-198916* 1971–73, 1975–80, 1983–8411 Ōi 1973–78, 1980–81 8 Osho 1972–1977, 1984 7Ōza 1983–86, 1988–896 Kiō 1979 1 Note: Tournaments marked with an asterisk (*) are no longer held.

JSA president Nakahara served as the president of the Japan Shogi Association from May 2003 until May 2005.