Kai Shimada is a high-level shogi player in his thirties, but because of his thin body and receding hair, many people think he looks much older, even like someone in his forties. Even so, he is a very kind and hardworking person, always ready to support his friends and younger teammates. He cares especially for Harunobu Nikaidō, and although he sometimes faces personal struggles and disappointments, he continues to work hard in both his career and personal life. His backstory shows his determination and care for his hometown, and these qualities gain him the respect of both reporters and fellow players. Kai balances the challenges of competition with caring for others, and his life is filled with efforts, sacrifices, and hopes.
Kai Shimada is thin, and he is known for his noticeable receding hairline, which makes him seem older than he really is.
He tries using a "special" shampoo for his hair.
Because of his looks, some people mistake him for being much older than his real age.
Kai is a good and caring person.
He is thoughtful, especially toward younger players like Harunobu Nikaidō, who calls him "Big Brother," while Kai calls Harunobu "Kid."
Kai is usually calm, but he can become very competitive during matches.
He often worries about his choices, especially when his research group members have to compete against each other.
Kai comes from a small mountain village near Tendo in Yamagata Prefecture, a place facing population decline.
As a child, he helped with fruit harvesting and dairy farming to earn money for travel to shogi league events.
He became a pro after much struggle and hard work.
He wants to help people in his hometown, especially older people who may be lonely, so he started a shogi club there.
Kai is in the A-class with an 8th-dan ranking, making him one of the top shogi players.
He is a strong player who uses the static rook style.
Everyone, including himself, calls him a "man of effort."
He is always looking to get better and works hard in his practice.
Harunobu Nikaidō is like a younger brother to Kai, and they care about each other a lot.
After defeating Rei Kiriyama in a tournament, Kai invited him to his research group, and they became friends.
Although he tries to keep Rei away from Akari Kawamoto, he is glad to see Rei smiling next to Hinata Kawamoto.
Kai once had a girlfriend from his hometown, but he chose to focus on shogi. She later married someone else and had a child, but Kai keeps thinking of her.
Kai has stomach pains since he was in the apprentice league, and it is often joked about.
He calls himself a "rain man," as about 70% of events he goes to end up with rain.
As a child, he was sometimes sent to pray for rain at a mountain shrine, which made him miss school, but his family always told the teachers in advance.
His favorite actor, Kuranosuke Sasaki, is the model for his character, and Kuranosuke even played Kai in the live-action movie, which made the author very happy.
Kai's grandfather appears in episode 19 of the anime.
Friendship with Harunobu Nikaidō
Kai is a strong shogi player and a good mentor to Harunobu Nikaidō, who looks up to him as a big brother.
They use nicknames for each other, "Kid" and "Big Brother," showing their close bond.
Matches with Rei Kiriyama
Kai battles Rei Kiriyama in the challenger tournament for the Lion King title and wins.
He later invites Rei to join his research group after winning against Masamune Gotō in the finals.
Research Group Dilemmas
Kai leads a research group for shogi study.
When all his group members advance in the Lion King tournament, Kai feels worried because it means they have to play against each other.
He questions if the group should continue.
Life Choices and Sacrifices
To follow his dream of being a top shogi player, Kai leaves behind his hometown and the woman he once loved.
He accepts these sacrifices as the price of living for shogi.
Caring for His Hometown
Kai started a shogi club in his hometown to bring people together and help the elderly feel less lonely.
Family Connections
Kai's grandfather appears in the anime, showing that family is still an important part of his story.
Kai often suffers from stomach pain, and people around him joke about it.
He uses a special shampoo for his hair.
He often brings the rain to events he attends, making him a running joke as a "rain man."
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