Honnimbo Shusai, Master of Go

Honnimbo Shusai, Master of Go, is the current master in the centuries-old line of recognized masters of the game. He is in his late-60s and in poor health, suffering from a heart condition. He is quite small at just five feet tall and weighing less than 70 pounds. He has devoted his life to the game and at the time of the events in the novel has been the top go player in Japan for over thirty years. He is also an ordained Buddhist priest. He is married, with no children.

The Master is a noble and aristocratic figure, used to being treated with deference and respect. He is at odds with a new generation of professional go players and a system that places more emphasis on the actual performance at the go table rather than the ancient traditions.

The Master has been in...