Shinkisen is named from two of Saikouisen's legendary players; Kiyoshi Niitsu and Masateru Kaneko. Taking a Kanji from each of the players' name, the original concept was to have Saikouisen pros compete in different rulesets depending on the round. Currently, it is only using the Red 5 ruleset. 

​Winner of the Shinkisen USA Qualifiers will be able to participate in the Shinkisen Main Matches in Japan!