Shogi association apologizes to female champion, to review pregnancy rules

The Japan Shogi Association apologized Wednesday to six-title-holding women's player Kana Fukuma over its treatment of pregnant players, adding it is preparing rule revisions to better reflect their wishes.The Japanese professional player has asked the game's governing body to revise rules that bar pregnant players from championship matches near their due dates.Fukuma, 33, said at a press conference in Osaka that the rules force women to choose between pregnancy and childbirth and their careers, impinging on their reproductive rights.Reflecting on her experiences, Fukuma said, "I hesitated …READ FULL ARTICLE