History of Saikouisen
Saikouisen Nihon Pro Mahjong Kyoukai (最高位戦日本プロ麻雀協会)traces its origins to a title match established in 1976.
Its defining feature is determining the true champion not by a single day's performance, but through a year-long league competition, awarding the title of “Saikoui” (最高位) to the winner.
The 1st Season (1976) was launched by the mahjong magazine “Kindai Mahjong/近代麻雀” (Takeshobo/竹書房) to create a stage for competitive mahjong professionals.
This season featured 100 half-games and 10 participating players.
Players like Masahito Iida (飯田正人) and Masateru Kaneko (金子正輝), who participated in the 6th season (1981), became representative figures of Saikouisen.
The oldest active player is Toshihiko Sakamoto (阪元俊彦), who participated in the 5th season (1980).
Since then, several changes have been attempted regarding the number of games played, the number of participating players, and the competition rules.
New leagues were established: B (from the 2nd Season), B2 (from the 6th Season), C (from the 9th Season), C2 (from the 20th Season), C3 (from the 36th Season), D1 (from the 39th Season), D2 (from the 42nd Season), and D3 (from the 44th Season). This expansion of the “Saikoui” title has opened it up to a broader range of players.
Establishment Timeline
1985
10th Season
Not merely a collection of players participating in the title matches as a magazine project called Saikouisen, but the commencement of activities as a single organization.
1987
12th Season
The Japan Mahjong Saikouisen Competition Rules (日本麻雀最高位戦競技規定) were codified. The rules adopted at that time were the no Ippatsu, no-Ura Dora, no-Noten rules (current Saikouisen Classic Rules).
1990
15th Season
Establishment of the “Saikouisen Pair Match” (最高位戦ペアマッチ)
1992
17th Season
Established the “Ryuousen” (發王戦) with rules including Ippatsu, Ura Dora, and Noten penalty points
1997
22nd Season
The “Saikouisen League” (最高位戦リーグ) has been revised to include Ippatsu, Ura Dora and Noten penalty tiles.
2001
26th Season
Establishment of the "Women's Saikouisen" (女流最高位戦)
2006
31st Season
Established the title tournament “Saikouisen Classic” (最高位戦Classic) played under rules excluding Ippatsu, Ura Dora, and Noten penalties.
2012
37th Season
Established the "Rookie of the Year Tournament" (新人王戦) which is open to players who have been members for five years or less and are under 35 or under 30 years old (regardless of when they joined).
2013
38th Season
Name changed to “Ippan Shadan Houjin Saikouisen Nihon Pro Mahjong Kyoukai” (一般社団法人最高位戦日本プロ麻雀協会). Kansai Headquarters established was also established.
In honor of the achievements of the late Masahito Iida, Eternal Saikoui (永世最高位), the “Saikouisen Classic” has been renamed the “Masahito Iida Cup Saikouisen Classic” (飯田正人杯・最高位戦Classic).
2014
39th Season
Established Hokkaido Headquarters
2016
41st Season
Established Tokai Headquarters
2017
42nd Season
Established the Saikouisen Dojo
Established Niigata Branch
Establish the “Shinkisen” (新輝戦) tournament with stage-specific match rules
2020
45th Season
Established Kyushuu Headquarters
The “Saikouisen League” (最高位戦リーグ) has been restructured into 10 leagues: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, D1, D2, and D3.
2022
2023
47th Season
Established Tohoku Branch
48th Season
Established the Saikouisen Studio
2024
49th Season
Establishment of the title tournament “Souyokusen” (蒼翼戦)
2025
50th Season
Established the USA Headquarters and CHINA Headquarters
Establishment of the title tournament "MJ Cup Ryujinsen" (MJ杯龍神戦)