And directly from Japan came Shogi!

Info of the bulletin of 2015: 

Japanese culture has been distinguished through time for being unique in the whole world. Rich in traditions and costumes, Japanese culture has been preserved throughout the years, combining millenary traditions with new technologies from XXI century.

In Guatemala, Shogi was recently introduced in the country thanks to the interest of a group of young people who love Japanese culture and traditions, and who have found in Shogi a complex but highly entertaining and thrilling game. The creation of “Shogi Guatemala” group came from the imitation and initiative of other countries and cities around the world who have assumed the task of learning more about strategies and rules about this fascinating game.

“Shogi Guatemala” formerly started in November 2014, orientated to the promotion of Japanese culture through Shogi. Being 2015 the first anniversary of “Shogi Guatemala” as a group, many activities took place throughout the year which permitted a better knowledge of the game, and helped other young people to get to know the game and to be able to join the group, which helped to expand “Shogi Guatemala”.

The present bullet news is a way to thank people both inside and out of Guatemala who have helped the group in any possible way. The bulletin resumes all the activities that took place during the past year and also encourages new potential members to join the activities programed for year 2016 and to get to know better the fascinating world of Shogi that slowly expands through the world.

We specially thank Japanese Embassy in Guatemala and hope that during the course of 2016 we can celebrate Shogi Guatemala’s second anniversary.

 Here we present the activities that took place during last year promoted by Shogi Guatemala:

1. “Anime Music Fest” February 1^st 2015, Parque de la Industria, Guatemala City: An Anime convention and manga with the participation of different bands took place in Guatemala City. Shogi Guatemala was able to place a stand thanks to the special invitation from the event´s organizing committee.

2. Shogi´s learning workshop at Japanese Cultural Fest, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, May 9^th 2015, CALUSAC: The Japanese Cultural Fest takes place every year inside Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala’s Campus. During this fest, a Shogi´s learning workshop took place to teach Shogi´s general rules and movement of each of the pieces. Attendants were also able to play against members of the group.

3. Internet has been an invaluable tool to help promote Shogi in Guatemala. Social networking has been helpful for information about the different activities that Shogi Guatemala organizes. It has also been useful to stay in contact with new members and people interested in Japanese culture. Members of Shogi groups around the world have also been able to contact Guatemalan members, a benefit that has been used to exchange tips, commentaries and releases.

4. New group’s image! Thanks to Karen González’s support, we were able to get a new image and logo for Shogi Guatemala. This new logo represents the link between the land of the rising sun – Japan- and the country of eternal spring- Guatemala. September 13^th, 2015.

5. Members of Shogi Guatemala at Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala Campus. 

6. A few pictures from members of the group playing Shogi and sharing a cup of coffee for which Guatemala is known.

7. As the group expands, different members have developed ideas to create our own boards. Our member Kenny has taken the initiative to build new boards made out of wood for the rest of the team.

8. Japanese Cultural Fest, Universidad Rafael Landívar, November 6^th, 2015: To celebrate the 80^thanniversary of diplomatic relationship between Guatemala and Japan, a Japanese Cultural Fest was held at Univesridad Rafael Landívar during November. During three days, different groups interested in aspects of Japanese culture were invited to hold and exhibition of various activities. Shogi Guatemala participated during one of those days with a stand where Shogi was presented to assistants and public present in the activity. Both kids and adults were able to learn more about Shogi with the group members. It was an enriching activity for members of the group without a question. Special thanks to the Japanese Embassy in Guatemala and the organizing committee from Universidad Rafael Landívar for the invitation.

Shogi is an entertaining and highly complex game that has helped us exercise our minds being a distinctive form of recreation from those existent in Guatemala. Besides, it has now turned into a way of sharing with different people in a healthy way.

As a cultural group, we hope to keep on growing and expanding through the country, and encourage new potential members to join us for all the new activities awaiting for year 2016.