A Japanese court has issued a landmark ruling acknowledging that the unauthorized use of kifu—records of shogi game moves—can result in legal liability. The Tokyo District Court ordered a YouTuber to pay approximately ¥8.4 million (around $54,000 USD) to Yomiuri Shimbun, one of the co-organizers of the prestigious Ryuoh (Ryuo) shogi tournament.
First legal ruling deems unauthorized use of kifu as unlawful
According to the court, the YouTuber livestreamed 153 videos on YouTube in 2022 and 2023, featuring matches from the Ryuoh tournament without obtaining permission from the organizers. The videos used kifu, the textual and visual representation of match progress, broadcasted on the same day the games took place.
The ruling emphasized that the tournament requires “substantial financial and operational investment” from the Japan Shogi Association (Nihon Shogi Renmei) and Yomiuri Shimbun. These organizations monetize the content through newspaper publications and paid mobile apps.
The court concluded that the YouTuber’s actions constituted a severe case of free-riding, exploiting the efforts of the organizers without contributing or securing authorization. “It was a particularly malicious act that infringed on legitimate commercial interests,” the judgment stated.
Japan Shogi Association responds to ruling
The Japan Shogi Association welcomed the decision, stating that the court had formally acknowledged the importance of the operational model developed over decades by both newspapers and the association. This structure, they argued, is vital for the preservation and growth of shogi culture.
Yomiuri Shimbun also praised the verdict, calling it a meaningful recognition of the legitimacy of the business model built around the traditional game. According to the group, protecting this model is essential for ensuring the continued development of shogi.
nanijapan.com