On June 13–14, 2026, Japan hosted chess events featuring Grandmasters Darmen Sadvakasov – First Vice-President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and Vice-President of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) – and Viktor Bologan, FIDE Executive Director.
The visit took place under the Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives (FACI) program, which aims to develop chess cooperation across Asian countries, popularize the game, and foster the exchange of expertise between leading chess players and national federations.
The main events were held in Tokyo and Kyoto. On June 13, Tokyo hosted The Joys of Chess with Grandmaster Legends festival, followed by the KYOCHESS Spotlight event in Kyoto on June 14. Participants had the opportunity to play against the renowned grandmasters in simultaneous exhibitions (simuls), as well as attend masterclasses and educational lectures focusing on chess training and contemporary trends in the development of the game.
The simuls in Kyoto drew 19 players, including both beginners and experienced players from Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and other regions of Japan.
Viktor Bologan’s session concluded relatively quickly, with the grandmaster securing eight wins and one draw. Darmen Sadvakasov’s simul lasted over two hours, resulting in 10 victories. For many participants, this was their first opportunity to play against a grandmaster.
During the masterclasses, Viktor Bologan analyzed his game against Chinese Grandmaster Ye Jiangchuan from the 2000 Tan Chin Nam Cup, while Darmen Sadvakasov reviewed a game from his 2004 match against Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov in Astana. Following the lectures, participants asked the grandmasters questions about the future of chess, the impact of artificial intelligence on the game, and modern approaches to preparation.
“Under the Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives program, we conducted a simultaneous exhibition and masterclasses alongside Grandmaster and FIDE Executive Director Viktor Bologan in Tokyo and Kyoto. A large number of chess enthusiasts attended each event. Since there are no grandmasters in Japan, this was a major milestone for them. We received a wealth of positive feedback and gratitude. Talented youth are emerging in Japan, and I am confident that the country will continue to achieve great success in chess. We, as the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and the Asian Chess Federation, will assist in developing chess in this country,” said Darmen Sadvakasov, First Vice-President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.
Darmen Sadvakasov and Viktor Bologan also met with representatives of the Japan Chess Federation to discuss opportunities for the further development of chess.
“Key areas for future work were identified, with the main emphasis placed on youth chess and organizing a larger number of FIDE-rated tournaments. At the meeting with the Japanese Olympic Committee, special attention was given to the issue of chess recognition by the local Olympic Committee. We also discussed the inclusion of chess in the program of the 2030 Asian Games in Qatar.
“The Japanese Olympic Committee will consider holding an exhibition chess event during the Asian Games in Nagoya this autumn. Both events in Tokyo and Kyoto received excellent reviews from the participants. Such initiatives will significantly contribute to the popularization of chess in Japan. A training camp for Japan’s leading young chess players is already planned for August as part of the FACI project,” shared FIDE Executive Director Viktor Bologan.
Darmen Sadvakasov is the 1998 World Junior Under-20 Champion, a grandmaster, First Vice-President of the KCF, and Vice-President of the Asian Chess Federation. Over the years, he has secured match victories against former World Champion Anatoly Karpov and world title contender Viktor Korchnoi.
Viktor Bologan is the strongest chess player in the history of Moldova, a grandmaster, FIDE Executive Director, and the author of numerous chess books. Throughout his career, he has been part of the global chess elite, reaching a peak Elo rating of 2734.
The Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives project is implemented by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation in cooperation with FIDE and the Asian Chess Federation, with the support of Freedom Holding Corp. Its goal is to expand chess cooperation in Asia, develop educational programs, and support initiatives aimed at popularizing chess in the region.