Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan has presented that country’s People’s Honor Award to two board game champions, Mr. Yoshiharu Habu and Mr. Yuta Iyama. Habu secured the lifetime Ryou title and is the first to have earned all seven major titles in Shogi, or Japanese Chess. Iyama is ninth-dan ranked in Go and last year secured the seven major Japanese titles of that game for the second time.

The People’s Honor Award has been given now 26 times since 1977, recognizing achievement in sports, entertainment, and culture.