HONINBO SHUSAKU "INVINCIBLE"
In 1837, at age 8, Shusaku was already almost a player of professional caliber. On January 3, 1840, he received his shodan (first dan professional) diploma.
The following years, he made steady progress up the ranks, reaching 4 dan in 1844.
As the official heir to the head of the Honinbo house, Shusaku had an eminent position. His grade also increased, he finally reached 7 dan.
In 1862, a cholera epidemic swept through Japan. Shusaku tended the patients within the Honinbō house, and fell ill himself, dying of it on August 10. He was only 33 years old. more