Isao Nakata


Isao Nakata is a Japanese professional shogi player, ranked 8-dan.
Nakata's nickname is コーヤン Kōyan, after the on'yomi reading of his first name.

Theoretical contributions

The Kōyan variation of Third File Rook is named after him. In particular, his development of the so-called "Isao Nakata XP" is a very popular Third File Rook quick attack countermeasure against Static Rook Anaguma.

Promotion history

Nakata's promotion history is as follows:
Nakata received the Japan Shogi Association's "25 Years Service Award" in 2011 in recognition of being an active professional for twenty-five years.