Hikaru no Go

Name: Hikaru no Go
Rating: 4.2 (89 reviews)
Author: Shueisha

4.2

Author: Shueisha

Publisher: Weekly Shōnen Jump

Magazine: Weekly Shōnen Jump

Volumes: 23

Release Date: 1999-04-30

Age Rating: All Ages

Hikaru no Go Synopsis

Hikaru no Go is a coming-of-age manga that follows Hikaru Shindo, an ordinary sixth-grade boy whose life changes when he discovers an old Go board in his grandfather’s attic. Unbeknownst to him, the board is haunted by the spirit of Fujiwara no Sai, a genius Go player from the Heian period who is unable to pass on to the afterlife due to his obsession with achieving the divine move, known as the “Hand of God.” Sai begs Hikaru to let him play Go once more through him. Although Hikaru has no interest in the game at first, he reluctantly agrees. As he begins playing under Sai’s guidance, Hikaru becomes captivated by the depth and complexity of Go. His interest deepens when he meets Akira Toya, the son of Japan’s top professional Go player. In their first match, Hikaru, guided by Sai, defeats Akira with overwhelming skill. Shocked that someone his age could be so strong, Akira becomes determined to rival Hikaru. Motivated by this rivalry, Hikaru begins studying Go seriously and sets a personal goal: to one day challenge Akira with his own strength, not Sai’s. Hikaru eventually joins the Japan Go Association’s training program for young players, where he trains alongside other aspiring pros, including international talents. Through competition, setbacks, and growth, Hikaru matures both as a person and a player. The story emotionally portrays Hikaru’s journey as he develops bonds with Sai and Akira, overcomes inner struggles, and steadily strives toward mastering Go on his own—ultimately aiming to reach the elusive “Hand of God.” It’s a moving and inspiring tale about passion, rivalry, and self-discovery through the ancient game of Go.

Hikaru no Go Rating Metrics

Story

4.1

Characters

4.0

Artwork

4.1

World Building

4.3

Themes

4.9

Pacing

3.9

Hikaru no Go Editorial Reviews

The Manga That Sparked a Go Boom

Today, I’d like to share a review and rating of Hikaru no Go. Originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump starting in 1999, Hikaru no Go is a manga that brought the ancient board game of Go into the spotlight—especially among younger readers. The story follows Hikaru Shindo, an average elementary school boy who becomes possessed by the spirit of Fujiwara no Sai, a genius Go player from the Heian era. With Sai’s guidance, Hikaru is drawn into the world of Go and begins his journey toward mastering the game and eventually aiming for the legendary “Divine Move.” What makes Hikaru no Go truly remarkable is its bold choice of subject matter. At the time, Go was generally seen as a pastime for older men, and was almost completely unfamiliar to the average Jump reader. The rules of Go are complex—far more so than something like playing cards—so choosing it as the focus of a manga was a big creative risk. But don’t worry if you’ve never played or even understood Go. Even after reading Hikaru no Go multiple times, I still don’t fully grasp the game’s rules or how a match is won or lost—and yet, the story is absolutely captivating. The manga's greatest strengths lie in its dramatic, Shonen-style depiction of Go and the emotional bond between Hikaru and Sai. Watching Hikaru grow stronger under Sai’s mentorship is inspiring, but it’s equally moving to see Sai himself—despite being a spirit from the past—continue to grow and evolve. Another highlight is the manga’s brisk pace. It covers Hikaru’s journey from elementary school through his professional debut in just 23 volumes, keeping the story tight and engaging. If I had to point out one flaw, it would be the ending. While I wouldn’t call it a bad conclusion, it did feel a bit rushed. Some readers argue that the story would have been more beautiful if it had ended around volume 17. Personally, I still loved the entire series and found the full 23 volumes thoroughly enjoyable. If you're even a little bit curious, I highly recommend giving Hikaru no Go a try. It’s available on platforms like Amazon Kindle, and it's a brilliant read—even if you don’t know a single thing about Go.

July 31, 2025