

Hikaru no Go
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Episodes (52/75)
2 / 3
EP 36Hikaru and Su-Young compete in a match where Hikaru's risky move leads to victory.
Jun 19, 2002Hikaru and Su-Young engage in a contest to determine which insei is superior. Yun Sensei observes the game and recalls having seen Hikaru play two previous matches that displayed highly contrasting styles. During the current match, Hikaru executes a risky move that Su-Young does not anticipate. This strategic decision ultimately proves successful, securing Hikaru's triumph. Following the conclusion of the game, Yun Sensei praises Hikaru, noting that his performance in this specific match demonstrates greater strength than in the two earlier games he had witnessed. The episode highlights the contrast in Hikaru's gameplay and his ability to overcome challenges through bold tactics.
EP 37The professional exam starts with increased intensity after pairings are decided
Jun 26, 2002The professional exam commences, bringing heightened intensity once the pairings are finalized. Hikaru displays remarkable composure and calmness, a demeanor attributed to the experience gained during team battles with Waya and Isumi. This steady approach proves effective as he secures a streak of six consecutive victories. The narrative focuses on his performance and the escalating pressure of the competition, highlighting his ability to maintain focus amidst the challenging environment of the exam.
EP 38Hikaru learns about professional exam struggles while Akira attempts to teach Kosuke Ochi.
Jul 3, 2002During a lunch break in his match against Tsubaki, Hikaru discovers that many candidates face significant difficulties regarding education and employment while preparing for the professional exam. At this juncture, Hikaru holds a record of eight victories and one defeat. Meanwhile, Akira agrees to provide private lessons to Kosuke Ochi, hoping to gauge the skill level Hikaru possesses. Ochi eventually realizes Akira's true motive and declines the instruction, refusing to be taught by someone he considers inferior. This sequence highlights the broader challenges players encounter alongside their competitive pursuits.
EP 39Hikaru faces undefeated Isumi who cheats during a tense match on day twelve.
Jul 10, 2002On the twelfth day, Hikaru confronts the undefeated Isumi, who has only one loss remaining. Isumi grows anxious after Ochi reveals that Akira is pursuing Hikaru, causing the game to extend into overtime. Although Isumi initially dominates the match, he makes an illegal move under pressure and secretly alters it before passing the turn. Hikaru must now choose between ignoring the rule violation to complete the match or exposing Isumi’s infraction. This critical decision tests Hikaru’s integrity and strategic judgment in a high-stakes encounter where the outcome hangs in the balance.
EP 40Isumi's Guilt and Ochi's Deduction Lead to a Critical Exam Match
Jul 17, 2002Isumi withdraws from the match out of guilt before Hikaru can question him about a rules violation. Consequently, both players suffer losses stemming from regrets associated with that final encounter. Ochi analyzes the situation and concludes that Isumi committed a fatal error during his game against Hikaru. This deduction sets the stage for an upcoming battle between Isumi and Ochi. The stakes are extremely high, as a loss in this specific match would eliminate Isumi's possibility of passing the professional exam. The narrative focuses on the consequences of Isumi's earlier actions and the pressure he faces in this decisive confrontation.
EP 41Isumi defeats Ochi while Hikaru reaches thirteen wins in fifteen days
Jul 24, 2002Isumi secures a victory against Ochi in their match. Following fifteen days of play, Hikaru holds a record of thirteen wins and two losses. Observing that Hikaru’s abilities are improving daily, Ochi seeks assistance from Akira to overcome him. The narrative focuses on the shifting dynamics between the players as Hikaru’s strength becomes increasingly apparent to his opponents. This development prompts Ochi to look for external support to counter the rising threat posed by Hikaru’s consistent performance and growing skill level in the ongoing tournament.
EP 42Ochi passes exam with one loss while Hikaru faces pressure for remaining spots
Jul 31, 2002After twenty days, Ochi has nineteen wins and one loss. Akira reveals to Ochi the first match played against Hikaru two years ago. It has been twenty-two days, and Hikaru has three losses. As Ochi officially passes the exam with only one loss thus far, the pressure is now on Hikaru, Waya and Isumi, who are battling for the two remaining professional spots.
EP 43Hikaru and Waya compete in the final match to determine professional status
Aug 7, 2002On the twenty-sixth day, Hikaru and Waya face off in the last match remaining after their professional exam. A victory for Waya secures his promotion to professional status. During the game, Waya creates a difficult situation for Hikaru, leaving the latter with only a slim chance of winning the match. The outcome of this single encounter determines whether Waya achieves his goal of becoming a professional player.
EP 44Hikaru Defeats Waya and Faces Ochi's Training Under Akira
Aug 14, 2002Hikaru successfully defeats Waya in their match. Following this victory, Akira encourages Ochi to secure a win against Hikaru during the subsequent day's game. Hikaru later discovers that Ochi has been receiving instruction from Akira specifically to prepare for their upcoming confrontation. This revelation highlights the strategic efforts made by Ochi's side to counter Hikaru's skills ahead of the scheduled encounter.
EP 45Hikaru confronts Ochi, who employs a technique inspired by Akira, while Waya fights Fuku for professional status.
Aug 21, 2002Hikaru engages in a match against Ochi, who utilizes a strategy influenced by Akira. Later, Hikaru attempts a similar tactic during his game against Su-Young, but Ochi recognizes the move and successfully blocks Hikaru. In a separate match, Waya competes against Fuku, where a victory is required for Waya to achieve professional status. The narrative focuses on these critical confrontations and the stakes involved for the players, highlighting the strategic depth of their games and the pressure of the professional ranking system.
EP 46Hikaru and Waya secure victories while Isumi fails to advance professionally
Aug 28, 2002Hikaru and Waya both win their matches, preventing Isumi from advancing to professional status. Akira learns of this outcome and anticipates his competitive ambitions for Hikaru. Meanwhile, the Haze Go Club receives news that Hikaru is turning professional. The club members express a desire for him to visit them soon. This summary covers the immediate results of the matches and the reactions of those connected to the players involved in the professional exam finals.
EP 47Hikaru, Waya, and Ochi gain professional status and face evaluation matches.
Sep 4, 2002Hikaru, Waya, and Ochi are featured in a Go magazine as the newest professionals. There are matches to be made to evaluate how well they can do against the top professionals. When Hikaru gets placed up against Toya Meijin, he must decide whether or not to let Sai play.
EP 48Hikaru allows Sai to play against Toya Meijin under strict conditions
Sep 11, 2002Hikaru prepares for his debut match against Toya Meijin while Sai expresses a desire to participate. Akira, Waya, Ochi, Ogata, and Kuwabara are scheduled to watch the game. Hikaru agrees to let Sai play, but imposes a specific constraint: Sai must simulate a fifteen point handicap. This requirement forces Sai to adopt a sloppy and unrecognizable playing style to conceal his true identity during the match.
EP 49Toya outsmarts Sai while Hikaru resigns, prompting a future handicap-free rematch request.
Sep 18, 2002Toya detects a skilled professional near Hikaru. Sai executes a complex game filled with traps, but Toya evades and modifies Sai's strategy. Hikaru resigns, leading Toya to ask for a future match without handicaps. Kuwabara suspects Hikaru played as if he had a handicap against him, explaining his overplays. This situation mirrors the Cho Chikun versus Otake Hideo game in the forty-fourth Oza Sen preliminaries on 14 July 1996.
EP 50fillerSai reveals his past and rivalry with Akira while fearing he may never play Go again.
Sep 25, 2002Sai discloses his entire history, leading up to his initial meeting with Hikaru and his competitive relationship with Akira. As he pursues the divine move, he questions whether he will ever be able to play Go again. This uncertainty stems from Hikaru’s growing strength, which results in fewer opportunities for Sai to participate in games. The narrative focuses on Sai’s introspection regarding his future in the game amidst these changing dynamics.
EP 51Hikaru plays a pro against overpriced boards while Kurata watches
Oct 2, 2002As the newest professional, Hikaru attends a Go field event where Sai encounters a pro selling overpriced Go boards. Sai urges Hikaru to play a match against this pro to settle the score. Meanwhile, Kurata, a man who brags about his professional status, appears at the event. He becomes intrigued by Hikaru during the proceedings. The episode focuses on this interaction between the young player and the established professionals, highlighting the tension between the overpriced merchandise and the actual game being played.
EP 52Hikaru faces Akira in his first professional match during a Go ceremony.
Oct 9, 2002At a Go award ceremony, Hikaru discovers that his debut professional match will be against Akira. He feels intense excitement upon realizing how close he is to facing Akira directly. Despite this anticipation, unexpected circumstances are poised to alter their destinies and change their relationship with one another. The narrative focuses on the immediate emotional impact of this revelation and the looming shift in their professional trajectories.
EP 53Hikaru Arranges High-Stakes Internet Go Match Against Toya Meijin
Oct 16, 2002Following news of Toya Meijin’s heart attack, Hikaru visits him in the hospital and discovers he plays Internet Go. Hikaru schedules a match for Sai to face Toya one week later. The players agree to severe consequences for defeat: Sai must reveal his true identity if he loses, while Toya vows to retire from professional Go if he is defeated. This encounter sets the stage for a critical confrontation between the young player and the legendary master, driven by the high stakes agreed upon before the game begins.
EP 54Online Go players suspect Toya is an impostor until he defeats top rivals.
Oct 23, 2002Internet Go enthusiasts notice Toya playing online and initially suspect he is an impostor. Ichiryu, the reigning Kisei titleholder in Japan, challenges the suspected faker but is easily defeated. Other elite players, including world amateur champion Li Rinshin, recognize the opponent’s superior skill as genuine. Meanwhile, fans are unaware that a significant millennium match between Sai and Toya is imminent. Akari visits and challenges Hikaru to a game. Sai agrees to play under a nine stone handicap to help settle his nerves before the upcoming event. This sequence highlights the growing reputation of the mysterious online player while setting the stage for future confrontations involving the main characters.
EP 55Sai and Toya Koyo engage in a highly watched Internet Go match.
Oct 30, 2002Sai and Toya Koyo compete in an Internet Go game that draws massive attention from fans impressed by their superior skills. The actual match depicted features Rin Kaiho playing black against Yoda Norimoto playing white during the twenty-second Meijin League held in May 1997. Meanwhile, Waya and Akira observe the broadcast separately. Through witnessing this intense competition, they come to understand the exceptional strength of Sai as a player. The episode highlights the excitement surrounding the match and the growing recognition of Sai's abilities among those watching.
EP 56Ogata deduces Toya's offline arrangement as Sai secures victory before fading away
Nov 6, 2002Ogata concludes that Toya organized the match in person, assuming he lacks internet knowledge. Both Akira and Ogata suspect Hikaru is connected to Sai. Although Toya initially held the advantage, Sai discovered a move to eliminate enemy territory. Toya realized that with optimal play, he would lose by half a point and trusted Sai to execute the best moves. Consequently, Toya resigned, while spectators believed the game was closely contested. Sai ultimately understands why he was revived through Hikaru and recognizes that his time in this world is nearing its end.
EP 57Hikaru visits Toya to discuss his retirement plans and Sai's mysterious disappearance.
Nov 13, 2002Hikaru goes to the hospital to see Toya, hoping he will not quit professional Go. Toya explains that while he will retire, he intends to keep playing. Ogata overhears this and questions Hikaru about Sai’s true identity, a concern Akira also shares. Toya successfully keeps his secret from both of them. Meanwhile, Hikaru does not realize that Sai is about to vanish after fulfilling his mission to guide him toward the divine move. The spirit’s purpose is complete, and his existence is ending, leaving Hikaru unaware of the impending loss of his mysterious companion and mentor.
EP 58Hikaru plays One Color Go against Kurata after losing professional match news
Nov 20, 2002Hikaru and Sai learn that Toya lost a professional match. Kurata approaches Hikaru and challenges him to a game, with an autograph as the stake. At the Go salon, black stones are unavailable, forcing Hikaru to play One Color Go. Kurata loses count of the moves due to overthinking but makes a correct move by luck, leading Hikaru to resign. Despite the loss, Kurata gives Hikaru half of his autograph as a gift, recognizing Hikaru's strength.
EP 59Toya Announces Retirement, Hikaru Wins First Pro Match, and the Mysterious Go Board
Nov 27, 2002Toya honors his promise to Sai by announcing his retirement, sparking outrage among fans and followers. Kurata visits Toya for a game, during which Toya suggests that retiring benefits his personal life. Meanwhile, Hikaru competes in his first professional series match and defeats his opponent with ease. Following news that Heihachi’s shed was raided, Sai instructs Hikaru to locate the Go board. Upon finding it, Hikaru is surprised to observe that the bloodstains on the board are beginning to fade away, leaving the significance of this change unclear.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many episodes does Hikaru no Go have?
- Hikaru no Go has 75 episodes.
- When did Hikaru no Go come out?
- Hikaru no Go came out in 2001.
- Which studio made Hikaru no Go?
- Hikaru no Go was produced by Studio Pierrot.
- Who directed Hikaru no Go?
- Hikaru no Go was directed by Jun Kamiya.
- Is Hikaru no Go finished?
- Current status of Hikaru no Go: Finished.












