Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. announces that beginning on Friday, April 6th the online shogi game "TENKAICHI SHOGIKAI 2" will feature in-game events where players can challenge characters from the shogi manga March Comes in Like a Lion. The characters from the popular manga will help introduce new players to the joy of shogi games.

March Comes in Like a Lion^*1 is a manga series by Chica Umino that follows the story of a 17-year-old professional shogi player named Rei Kiriyama. It received the Cartoon grand prize^*2 for 2011. The characters' play styles and strengths from the manga have been faithfully recreated in-game, giving players unique new opponents to square off against. Additionally, a new support feature for beginner players highlights possible moves, smoothing new players' entries into the exciting world of shogi.

"TENKAICHI SHOGIKAI 2" is an online competitive shogi arcade game officially recognized by the Japan Shogi Association, and matches players from across Japan based on their level of play. The game also features 20 real-life professional shogi players like Yoshiharu Habu (current holder of 2 titles) and Akira Watanabe (current Ryuo title holder).

Konami is proud to present this exciting new tie-in, which will bring the thrills and joy of shogi to an even greater audience.

Play against the manga's main character and his rivals	The arcade cabinet

*1 Published by Hakusensha in YOUNG ANIMAL since 2007.

*2 A manga award hosted by the Cartoon grand prize Committee, a volunteer group mainly comprised of bookstore employees.

• "TENKAICHI SHOGIKAI 2" Official Website