Birth date：June 17th 1976
Birth place：Kanagawa
Affiliation：the Japan Shogi Association
Official website:
http://homepage1.nifty.com/yamatochan/

Takahashi is a Joryu Kishi (female shogi or Japanese chess player) of petite stature but grand ability, noted for her polished ability to see the whole picture in perspective. After beginning Shogi as a primary school student, she became a pupil of 8th dan Yoshimasa Saeki. Takahashi became the focus of much attention in 1991, when she became the youngest ever professional female shogi player. By 1993, she had climbed her way into A class, and in 2000 entered the 2nd dan. Continuing to enrich her own bank of experience, Takahashi also hosts shogi classes for children, aiming to help the next generation discover the enjoyment of this Japanese tradition.

In 2002, Takahashi’s first book “Joryu kishi”, telling of her experiences as a shogi player to date, was published by Kodansha. This was snapped up by magazines and television as a topic of discussion, and became the focus of much attention. Takahashi makes increasingly regular television appearances as a commentator and so on, including on TBS’s “Sunday morning”. In December 2003, her introductory shogi book, aimed at children, became available. From February 2004, Takahashi is appearing regularly in the magazine “Suteki na okusan” (Wonderful wife) from Shufu to seikatsu sha. Yamato plays student in a housework learning corner, learns housekeeping techniques from the teacher.In October 2005,Takahashi gave her birth to her first child,a son,Yui.