Background
Kaku Takagawa was born on September 21, 1915 in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture.
格 高川
Kaku Takagawa was born on September 21, 1915 in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture.
He became a disciple of Itaro Mitsuhara, 7th grade expert go player (1925). He entered Takatsu Middle School in Osaka (1928), soon became first grader.
Immediately after his graduation from middle school he participated in the Grand Tournament of Nihon Kiin, and after successive promotion in grade became 8th grader at the end of 1954. He gained a 4-1 victory over Hon-imbo Hashimoto (now 9th grader), head of Kansai Kiin (Kansai Go Institute), and thereby was conferred the title of Hon-imbo, since which time he has been known as Hon-imbo Shukaku. He was primarily a scientific go player and was often said to be lacking in power. By successively defeating Kitani, Sugiuchi and Shimamura, all 8th graders, in 8th, 9th and 10th Term Hon-imbo Championship Games, however, he not only won the title of Hon-imbo for four consecutive terms but also has come to be regarded among go circles as undisputed champion. Also served as executive director and judge of Nihon Kiin, and is the pillar of that institution. Has written many books including Gendai Igo Zensho (The Complete Book of Modern Go).
(Guide to playing Go by the National Go Champion of Japan....)
1956Quotes from others about the person
Sakata Eio: "He'd drag out his games so they'd be longer and then his opponent would lose their edge. He was so very cool and collected during games, that he would never tense up before a match. This could be seen when he strolled to many Honinbō title wins. He was also noted to having a very steady and elegant style".