In a surprising move, the creators of the popular manga “Endroll Back,” Haruna Nakazato and Tōto Hasuo, are teaming up to launch a new manga series centered around the classic board game Go. Titled “Go to Go (Rank and Go (board game)),” this manga is set to debut in the next issue of Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine on January 27th, marking the magazine’s first foray into traditional Go-themed storytelling.
A New Chapter for Nakazato and Hasuo
Haruna Nakazato, known for her artwork in “Endroll Back” and “BLAST,” is bringing her artistic skills to this new project. Her previous works showcase a range of styles, from the fantasy-tinged world of “Endroll Back” to the music-focused “BLAST,” highlighting her versatility as an artist. Nakazato’s manga “Endroll Back,” which she created with Kantetsu, ran on Square Enix’s Manga UP! service from 2019 to 2021, with English translations becoming available starting in April 2024.
Tōto Hasuo, the story creator behind the new manga, is stepping into a new narrative territory with “Go to Go.” While his previous works may not be as widely known, his collaboration with Nakazato suggests a promising blend of storytelling and art. Hasuo’s comments indicate that he aims to create a manga that is enjoyable for both Go enthusiasts and newcomers alike, with a hope of broadening the game’s appeal.
Go to Go: A Story of Revenge
“Go to Go” will follow the journey of Akiyama Kosei, a prodigious high school student who excels in various fields like baseball, soccer, and academics. However, Kosei faces a setback in the world of Go. The story unfolds as Kosei returns to the game, determined to avenge his past defeats at the hands of five Go prodigies. The manga is said to be supervised by professional Go players, Iyama Yuta and Terayama Rei, adding a layer of authenticity to the gameplay depicted in the series.
The title itself, “Go to Go,” is a play on words. The Japanese word for Go is “碁” (go). The title uses “伍” (go), which can mean the number five or a group of five, potentially referring to the five rivals Kosei seeks to overcome.
The World of Go: A Game of Strategy
Go, also known as Weiqi in Chinese and Baduk in Korean, is an abstract strategy board game for two players. The game’s objective is to control more territory on the board than the opponent. Played on a grid of intersections, players take turns placing black or white stones with the goal of surrounding and capturing their opponent’s pieces.
Ancient Origins and Modern Popularity
Go is an ancient game, with its origins tracing back to China before 1100 BC. It is considered the oldest board game still played in its original form and remains very popular in East Asia, especially in Japan, where it gained significant cultural prominence. It is the second most played board game in the world behind Xiangqi (Chinese Chess). Despite its complex strategies, the rules of Go are relatively simple, making it accessible to a wide audience.
A New Wave of Go Manga
The launch of “Go to Go” is significant in the world of manga, as it has been more than two decades since a major weekly magazine has published a Go-themed series. The manga “Hikaru no Go,” which ran from 1998 to 2003, is widely credited for boosting the game’s popularity. That series was written by Yumi Hotta and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, and told the story of a young boy who becomes possessed by the spirit of an ancient Go master. “Hikaru no Go” was a massive success, with its blend of sports, supernatural elements, and coming-of-age themes.
Other Go-themed manga
While “Hikaru no Go” remains the most prominent example of a Go manga, others have explored the game. Some notable titles include:
- Hoshizora no Karasu (Crow in the Starry Sky): This series, which ran from 2013 to 2016, follows a teenage girl who becomes passionate about Go after learning from her grandfather, a professional player.
- Gunbu no Pair Go: This manga, which came out in 2021, focuses on Pair Go (doubles) and was produced in cooperation with the Japan Pair Go Association.
These manga demonstrate an existing interest in Go within the manga community, and “Go to Go” looks to capitalize on that.
Why a Go Manga Now?
The resurgence of Go in manga could be attributed to a variety of factors. The rise of strategic games and board game popularity in general may be one reason. Another could be that the unique blend of skill, strategy, and personal growth found in Go provides fertile ground for storytelling. It is also possible that the success of other manga and anime series focused on niche interests has encouraged creators to explore more unconventional themes.
A Promising Future
With “Go to Go” set to launch on January 27th, there is a high degree of anticipation within the manga community. The combination of Nakazato’s art, Hasuo’s story, and the classic game of Go could prove to be a winning formula. The manga’s potential to both entertain and introduce new audiences to Go is a promising prospect for fans of manga and the game alike. The manga is supervised by professional Go players, adding a layer of authenticity to the gameplay depicted in the series, and it will be interesting to see how the manga will portray the complex strategies and mental fortitude involved in playing Go at a high level.
