Tanigawa Kouji no Shougi Shinan II - Meijin e no Michi (Japan)
Tanigawa Kouji no Shougi Shinan II - Meijin e no Michi (Japan): FDS Educational
Tanigawa Kouji no Shougi Shinan II - Meijin e no Michi is a Famicom Disk System release that serves as a sequel to an earlier shogi (Japanese chess) instructional title. It came out exclusively in Japan during the late 1980s, at a time when the FDS was still a popular add-on for the Famicom. The game was designed to teach the fundamentals of shogi, a strategy game deeply rooted in Japanese culture, and it carries the name of a well-known shogi professional - Tanigawa Kouji - giving it an air of authenticity for enthusiasts of the board game.
The player works through a series of lessons and practice matches that explain shogi rules, piece movements, and tactical concepts. The interface is entirely menu-driven, with options to select specific topics or to play through structured tutorials. Because the game is a tutorial, the core loop involves reading text (all in Japanese), studying board positions, and making moves to complete challenges. It does not feature a full free-play mode against a computer opponent; instead, it focuses on guided instruction and repetition of key patterns.
Today, this title holds value mainly for collectors of FDS software and fans of shogi who want a period-appropriate learning tool. It is a niche piece of gaming history that shows how the FDS was used for educational software beyond just games. Compared to modern shogi apps or PC training programs, it is very simple, but its retro charm and direct connection to a professional player make it an interesting curiosity. If you are not fluent in Japanese or lack patience for text-heavy tutorials, you may find it more of a museum piece than a playable experience.
How to Play Tanigawa Kouji no Shougi Shinan II - Meijin e no Michi (Japan) Online
Getting Started
When you first boot the game, you will see a title screen and then a menu with Japanese text. Use the D-Pad to navigate and press the A button (X key) to confirm your choice. The main menu likely lists lesson categories or practice modes. Because this is a shogi instruction game, your first goal is to select a basic lesson - probably something like "pieces and moves" or "rules."
Once you enter a lesson, the screen will show a shogi board with pieces and text explaining a specific concept. You may be asked to make a move to demonstrate understanding. The game is entirely text-based and in Japanese, so keep a translation guide or a basic understanding of shogi terminology handy. The controls are simple: navigate with D-Pad, confirm with A, cancel with B. There is no real-time action; everything is turn-based and menu-driven.
If you get stuck, try pressing Select (V key) to see if there is a help screen or back option. The core loop is reading, studying the board, and making the correct move. There is no scoring or timer, so take your time. This is a learning tool, not a competitive game.
Tanigawa Kouji no Shougi Shinan II - Meijin e no Michi (Japan) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button (jump / confirm)
- S: B button (run / attack / cancel)
- Enter: Start / Pause
- V: Select
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