Gawky teen star wins new fans for Japan's 'game of generals'

Japan's professional shogi player Sota Fujii has given the game a wave of popularity in its homeland thanks to his rock-star following. Photo: AFP

Shogi, the Japanese chess variant known as the "game of generals", is enjoying a wave of popularity in its homeland thanks to a gawky teenage prodigy with a rock-star following.

Sota Fujii's incredible success and quirky charm have made him a household name in Japan, dusting off the traditional board game's musty image and taking it to a new audience.