The M-League 2023-24 Draft is this Friday! Today, we’ll take a look at the details of the draft and who could be potential candidates for each team.
Continue reading “M-League 2023-24 Draft”BSJapanext Team Officially Named “BEAST Japanext”, Eight Audition Candidates Announced
In a BSJapanext exclusive special program, it was announced that the BSJapanext team will officially be named “BEAST Japanext”. The team also revealed their logo, the eight candidates for their Draft Audition and the format of the tournament.
Name and Logo
BEAST Japanext incorporates the company’s name as well as representing a fierce and brave entity, just like the team.
Their logo (and presumably team mascot) is a wolf with the stylized letters “BS” on its mane. It also features the team’s name with the letters “BS” highlighted.
Eight Audition Candidates
In addition, the broadcast revealed the eight players that will be taking part in the draft audition. One by one, they players were called on their phone live on air.
Takeuchi Genta (竹内 元太)
The first player to be chosen was Takeuchi Genta (竹内元太) from Saikouisen. Takeuchi is the current title holder for Saikouisen’s top league. He was doing a livestream watch-along when he got the call and answered it live on his stream.
- Name: Takeuchi Genta (竹内元太)
- Born: March 12, 1982
- Pro Organization: Saikouisen
- Pro since: 2013
- Height: 190cm (6’3″)
- Current League: A1
- Titles
- 2022 BIG1 Cup (BIG1カップ)
- 47th Saikoui (最高位)
- Twitter: @takeuchigenta
Asai Takaki (浅井 堂岐)
The next player to get the call was Asai Takaki (浅井堂岐) from NPM. He is the current title holder for NPM’s highest league. Like Takeuchi, Asai was doing a watch-along when he got the call.
- Name: Asai Takaki (浅井 堂岐)
- Born: December 24, 1985
- Pro Organization: Nihon Pro Mahjong (NPM)
- Pro since: 2010
- Current league: A1
- Titles
- 21st Mahjong King (雀王)
- Twitter: @taka12taka24
Miyauchi Kozue (宮内 こずえ)
As the third player answered the phone, we got our first female pro. It was longtime and well-known pro Miyauchi Kozue from the JPML.
- Name: Miyauchi Kozue (宮内 こずえ)
- Pro Organization: Japan Professional Mahjong League (JPML)
- Born: March 28, 1980
- Pro since: 2002
- Current leagues: C2, Women’s C1
- Titles
- 10th Cherry Blossom Cup (女流桜花)
- 14th Pro Queen (プロクイーン)
- 4th・7th Mondo 21 Women’s Cup (女流モンド21杯)
- Twitter: @kozuemiyauchi
Yamai Hiroshi (山井 弘)
The fourth player chosen was JPML’s Yamai Hiroshi, the winner of the first-ever World Riichi Championship.
- Name: Yamai Hiroshi (山井弘)
- Born: February 3, 1970
- Pro Organization: Japan Professional Mahjong League (JPML)
- Pro since: 1998
- Current league: B2
- Titles
- 2014 WRC Champion
- 20th Champions League (チャンピオンズリーグ)
- 15th Mondo Cup (モンド杯)
- Twitter: @yamaihirosi
Sugawara Hiroe (菅原 千瑛)
The fifth player was another one popular overseas, Sugawara Hiroe from the JPML.
- Name: Sugawara Hiroe (菅原 千瑛)
- Born: December 2, 1991
- Pro Organization: Japan Professional Mahjong League (JPML)
- Pro since: 2012
- Current league: C2, Women’s A
- Titles
- 2021 RTD Girls Tournament
- 2nd Sakura Bud Tournament (桜蕾戦)
- Twitter: @hiroesugawara
Arai Keibun (新井 啓文)
The 6th player to be announced was Arai Keibun, the winner of the saikouisen league back in 2013. Like many others, he was doing a stream when he got the call.
- Name: Arai Keibun (新井啓文)
- Pro Organization: Saikouisen
- Born: July 20, 1979
- Pro since: 2001
- Current League: A1
- Titles
- 38th Saikoui (最高位)
- Twitter: @araikeibun
Uchida Miko (内田 みこ)
The 7th player was one that is a bit lesser known but still popular: Uchida Miko from the JPML.
- Name: Uchida Miko (内田 みこ)
- Born: July 1, 1996
- Pro Organization: Japan Professional Mahjong League (JPML)
- Pro since: 2017
- Current league: Women’s C2
- Titles
- 14th Yukan Fuji Cup (夕刊フジ杯)
- Twitter: @mikomiko_u
Ishibashi Nobuhiro (石橋 伸洋)
After a commercial break for added suspense, the final player was announced. A familiar face for fans of M-League it was none other than former U-Next Pirates player Ishibashi Nobuhiro!
- Name: Ishibashi Nobuhiro (石橋伸洋)
- Pro Organization: Saikouisen
- Born: September 29, 1980
- Pro since: 2003
- Current League: A2
- Titles
- Former U-Next Pirates member (2018-2019 season to 2021-22 season) (including 2019-20 championship)
- 36th Saikoui (最高位)
- 19th Dragon King Cup (發王位)
- 10th Mondo Cup
- 3rd Tenhou Meijinsen (天鳳名人戦)
- Twitter: @rate1484
Tournament Format
After all eight players were named and contacted, the tournament format was announced on the broadcast and posted on the team’s website.
- Players will be split into two groups (Group A and Group B)
- Each group will play 4 games
- The top player from each group advances to the finals
- 2nd and 3rd advance to the semifinals
- 2nd and 3rd players from the previous round will play 4 games for the semifinals
- 1st and 2nd from the semifinals advance to the finals
- The four finalists play 4 games and the top player will be guaranteed a spot on the BEAST Japanext!
Middle: Semifinals (1st and 2nd advance to finals)
Bottom: Finals (Winner gets drafted)
Qualifying rounds will take place on June 3 and 4, the semifinals will take place on June 10 and the finals will take place on June 17. All broadcasts will start at 12:00 JST and will be shown live on the ABEMA Mahjong Channel.
Starting Groups
Group A
Group B
With the broadcast over, the team updated their website and created their Twitter handle @BEAST_Japanext, ready to keep fans informed with all the latest information!
Murakami Jun, Maruyama Kanako Dropped by Akasaka Drivens
On May 29, 2023, the Akasaka Drivens announced that they will be renewing the contract for Sonoda Ken and Suzuki Taro, but will let the contacts for Murakami Jun and Maruyama Kanako expire.
In the 2020-21 season, M-League implemented a new regulation stating that teams that fail to make the finals two years in a row with the same team must change their roster. Because the Akasaka Drivens were 7th in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 season with the same players, the team was forced to make a change.
Murakami Jun was the Akasaka Drivens’ second round pick back in the inaugural M-League draft in 2018. With his help, the team was able to become the first-ever M-League champions. The year after, he was 2nd place overall for highest season score and 3rd place overall for 4th place avoidance. The year after that, he repeated his 4th place avoidance performance to take the bronze position two years in a row.
Unfortunately, he has had some difficulties recently, getting 30th overall two years in a row. In the 2022-23 season, it took until February 14 before he was able to get his first win of the season.
In his news release message and tweet, he said that the past five years have gone by in a blink of an eye, thanked everyone one for the support and that he will continue to work hard so that he may one day be on the M-League stage again.
Maruyama Kanako joined the team in the 2019-20 season after the league allowed each team to have 4 players and implemented the mixed gender rule. A relatively unknown player at the time, the Akasaka Drivens aimed to pick a player with promise and train them up. This surprise pick was dubbed M-League’s “Cinderella Story”. In her very first game, she was in last place going into the last hand. While in riichi, she passed on a ron that would put her into 3rd place in order to try for 1st. The gamble paid off and she ended up winning a baiman tsumo on her last draw for 1st place, the most impressive M-League debut ever.
However, her overall record has not been the greatest, being positive for only one season and failing to make the top half of the standings in any of them. In the 2022-23 season, Maruyama couldn’t get a win until February 10, more than a year from her previous M-League win.
In her news release statement and tweet, she said she had many wonderful experiences in the league over the past four years and was grateful for all the people who helped her grow.
With the departure of Maruyama, the team must pick a female player in the June 30th draft in order to satisfy the league’s mixed gender rule.
The M-League Watch team would like to thank Murakami and Maruyama for all the fun and excitement they brought to the league and wish them good luck on all their future mahjong endeavours.
M-League 2023-24 Preseason: Late May Update
The M-League 2022-23 season just ended a week ago and there’s already a ton of new news! From a new competitor to schedules to upcoming drafts to contract renewals to tournaments, the M-League action seems to never stop! With a lot to cover, let’s get right into it, shall we?
New Team
On May 26, M-League announced the creation of a new M-League team owned by the broadcasting company BSJapanext. The team’s name and logo will be announced on May 31.
More information can be found in the article: BSJapanext Sponsors 9th M-League Team
Off-Season Schedule
In a news release posted on May 26, M-League outlined some important dates for the off-season:
- June 19: Deadline to announce contract renewing/expiration
- June 30: M-League Draft
- July: Official contract confirmation
- Around Fall: M-League 2023-34 Season starts
M-League Draft
In the same news release, they also announced the details of the M-League 2023-24 Draft that will be taking place.
The M-League 2023-24 Draft will be taking place on June 30 starting at 17:00 JST. The event will be broadcasted live on the ABEMA Mahjong Channel and will last for about an hour.
The new team owned by BSJapanext will have the opportunity to draft all four of their players first. Then, each team which has the ability to draft (i.e. teams that do not have 4 players) will pick one player, going in reverse standings order of the M-League 2022-23 season. This will be repeated as necessary until all spots are filled.
Contract Statuses
So far, only three teams have confirmed their contract signing statuses.
On May 19, the EX Furinkazan team manager confirmed that all four of their players (Nikaido Aki (二階堂亜樹), Katsumata Kenji (勝又健志), Matsugase Takaya (松ヶ瀬隆弥), Nikaido Rumi (二階堂瑠美)) will be staying for next season.
On May 21, the Kadokawa Sakura Knights confirmed that they will be keeping their team (Uchikawa Kotaro (内川幸太郎), Okada Sayaka (岡田紗佳), Hori Shingo (堀慎吾), Shibukawa Nanba (渋川難波)) the same for next season
On May 25, the Sega Sammy Phoenix renewed the contracts for Uotani Yuumi (魚谷侑未), Kayamori Sayaka (茅森早香) and Tojo Rio (東城りお).
On the other hand, Kondo Seiichi (近藤誠一) chose not to have his contract renewed and stepped down as a player. However, he accepted a new position on the team as team manager. More information can be found in the article: Kondo Seiichi Steps Down As A Player, Replaces Yoshino Shinichi As Team Manager
This leaves the Shibuya Abemas, U-Next Pirates, Konami Mahjong Fight Club, Team Raiden and Akasaka Drivens to confirm who will have their contracts renewed. For the Akasaka Drivens, they are forced to replace at least one player after not making the finals two years in a row.
As of this writing, at least 6 new players will be drafted at the upcoming draft (4 by the BSJapanext team, 1 male player by the Sega Sammy Phoenix and at least 1 by the Akasaka Drivens)
Rule Changes
In the same news release as the draft, M-League also announced a new rule change regarding forced team changes.
Since the 2020-21 season, a team that has failed to make the finals two seasons in a row with the same team lineup is forced to change their roster and replace one of their players. The U-Next Pirates fell victim to this rule at the end of the 2021-22 season and were forced to change their lineup. At the end of the 2022-23 season, the Akasaka Drivens also fell under this rule and are forced to drop someone during this offseason.
However, starting this upcoming season, the rule has been relaxed a bit. Now, any team that has failed to make the semifinal two years in a row with the same lineup must change their roster. Instead of four teams getting a strike each season, only three will (with 6 teams making the semifinals and 3 teams failing to advance). Note that as before, a player cannot fire a player and redraft them in the same season to get around the rule.
For teams that failed to make the finals in the 2022-23 season, their strike carries over to the 2023-24 season if they have not changed their lineup. With the Sega Sammy Phoenix (8th last season) changing their lineup and the Akasaka Drivens (7th last season) being forced to do so, both of their strikes have been erased. That means if the Kadokawa Sakura Knights (6th last season), who have confirmed that everyone will be stay, fail to make the semifinals next year, they will be forced to change their roster. The same will apply to the U-Next Pirates (5th last season) should they choose to keep all their members.
M-League x Saikyousen
On Sunday, May 28 at 15:00 JST, the M-League x Saikyousen: 2023 Saikyousen M-League Special Match will take place. The event will be broadcast live on the ABEMA Mahjong Channel.
The top 8 players from the M-League 2022-23 season will be competing in this tournament and split between two tables. Each table will play a single game and the top 2 players will advance to the final game. The winner of the final game will earn their spot in the Saikyousen main tournament which will take place in December.
Table A
Table B
IKUSA
Over the past few months, the EX Furinkazan created a tournament called IKUSA and pros and amateurs competed.
Back in January, the EX Furinkazan teased the IKUSA event and a few days later revealed more details about it through a slideshow.
In the amateur tournament, non-pros competed through multiple rounds and the final four players played in multi-game finals that was streamed on the EX Furinkazan Youtube Channel. In the end, Shumo (しゅも) won and booked their ticket to the IKUSA semifinals.
In the pro tournament, 212 pros registered to join. Some players got some bonus starting points depending on how many social media followers they have and what titles they have won. Each played 20 games and the top 7 players advanced to the IKUSA semifinals. The top 7 players are:
- Ichinose Yuri (一瀬由梨) (JPML)
- Hitotsui Shinya (一井慎也) (JPML)
- Asai Takaki (浅井堂岐) (NPM)
- Aikawa Megumi (逢川恵夢) (NPM)
- Sato Takayuki (佐藤孝行) (JPML)
- Shiki Yudai (志岐祐大) (Saikouisen)
- Hayakawa Kenta (早川健太) (JPML)
On Twitter, a poll was released where the public can vote on who they think would win, with the player with the most votes getting an extra +50.0pts.
Starting on Monday, May 29, the IKUSA semifinals will begin. The games will be broadcast live on the ABEMA Mahjong Channel. The schedule is as follows:
- Semifinals: May 29, May 30, June 1, June 2 (15:00 JST on all days)
- Finals: June 3, June 4 (17:00 JST on both days)
The winner of the tournament will receive a 1 million yen prize and will be the team’s Special Sparring Partner (SSP) so long as they are not drafted by another team. They will also be seeded as a finalist for any future new member auditions for the next three years.
BSJapanext Team Draft Nomination Audition
To determine one of the players on the new BSJapanext team, the team will be holding a competition.
Soon after the new team was announced, the team posted a news release detailing the tournament and a website to accept submissions.
Applicants who wish to join the competition must:
- Be a member of one of the five major pro organizations (JPML, NPM, Saikouisen, Mu, RMU)
- Be able to make appearances on TV and all scheduled events
- Be able to become an M-Leaguer if they win
- Have an aggressive playstyle
- Be able to express themselves in words
- Have the desire to spread the fun and exitement of mahjong
Each applicant must also submit a 1-minute video of why they should be chosen and fill out a form about themselves.
On May 31, along with the announcement of the team’s name and logo, 8 individuals will be contacted by phone during the TV broadcasts say that they will be moving onto the next round.
Qualifying rounds will take place on June 3 and 4, the semifinals will take place on June 10 and the finals will take place on June 17. All broadcasts will start at 12:00 JST and will be shown live on the ABEMA Mahjong Channel. The winner of the tournament will be drafted by the BSJapanext team.
M-Tournament
On May 5, M-League announced an off-season tournament called the M-Tournament. This tournament will feature all the M-League 2022-23 season M-Leaguers and 20 select top pros. The tournament was created by M-League Chairman Fujita Susumu so viewers can get to know some more pros outside of M-League and potentially get a glimpse of these potential future M-Leaguers.
M-Leaguers
20 Select Top Pros
- Waktsu Akira (和久津晶) (JPML) (Former Sega Sammy Phoenix)
- Takeuchi Genta (竹内元太) (Saikouisen) (Current Saikoui)
- Asai Takaki (浅井堂岐) (NPM) (Current Mahjong King)
- Hiro Shibata (HIRO柴田) (JPML) (Current Hououi and Grand Prix Max Title Holder)
- Kouno Takashi (河野高志) (RMU) 2013, 2020, 2021 Reiwai)
- Shirogane Saki (白銀紗希) (JPML) (Current Cherry Blossom Cup Title Holder)
- Daigo Hiroshi (醍醐大) (Saikouisen) (2020 Saikoui)
- Yajima Tooru (矢島亨) (NPM) (Current Autumn Championship Title Holder)
- Fujishima Kenjiro (藤島健二郎) (JPML) (2018 First Half WRC League Champion, Adam Driver Pro)
- Ishii Yoshiki (石井良樹) (JPML) (Current King’s Cup Title Holder)
- Sakamoto Masashi (坂本大志) (Saikouisen) (Current Advent of the Four Gods Title Holder)
- Nara Keijun (奈良圭純) (JPML) (Current WRC Champion)
- Kondo Hisaharu (近藤久春) (JPML)
- Seki Shotaro (関翔太郎) (Saikouisen)
- Ishidate Takehiro (石立岳大) (JPML) (Current WRC League Champion)
- Mizusaki Tomomi (水崎ともみ) (NPM) (Current Mahjong Queen)
- Asai Yusuke (浅井裕介) (Saikouisen)
- Abe Takanori (阿部孝則) (RMU) (Former Mahjong Masters winner)
- Yamawaki Chifumi (山脇千文美) (JPML)
- Oshida Yukio (忍田幸夫) (Mu) (Current Mu Title Holder)
Format
Out of the 52 players in the M-Tournament, the 4 players on the championship winning team (i.e. Hinata Aiko (日向藍子), Matsumoto Yoshihiro (松本吉弘), Ooi Takaharu (多井隆晴), Shiratori Sho (白鳥翔) of the Shibuya Abemas) will automatically be seeded in the quarterfinals. The other 48 players start in the 1st round.
At each round, players play 2 hanchan at their table and the top 2 players will advance to the next round.
After the first two rounds, the 12 players will be divided between 4 tables (containing 3 players plus 1 seeded Shibuya Abemas player) and the tournament continues until the finals, where the top player after two games will be proclaimed the winner.
All games will be broadcast live on the ABEMA Mahjong Channel. For all the rounds except the finals, the games will start at 15:00 JST on each broadcast day and four games will be played. During the finals, it will start at 19:00 JST and only two games will be played. The broadcast schedule is as follows:
- First Round: June 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29 (15:00 JST start)
- Second Round: July 3, 6, 10 (15:00 JST start)
- Quarterfinals: July 15, 22 (15:00 JST start)
- Semifinals: July 30 (15:00 JST start)
- Finals: August 6 (19:00 JST start)
And those are all the new changes and upcoming events happening in the world of M-League! To follow all the action with other English-speaking fans, make sure to join the M-League Watch Discord Server. Which players will stay and which players will go? Who will be our new players? Who will win the tournaments? As always, we’ll just have to wait and see!
BSJapanext Sponsors 9th M-League Team
On May 26, 2023, M-League and BSJapanext announced in parallel news releases the creation of a new M-League team owned by BSJapanext.
The team’s name and logo will be announced in a BSJapanext special broadcast on May 31, 2023. The team social media account will also be created on this date.
It was also announced that the team will be hosting a competition to decide one of the four players on the team. On May 26 at 13:00 JST, the team released a website accepting applications and detailing the process of this competition. Prospective players must submit a 1-minute video of themselves and some information about themselves. On May 31, the player will receive a phone call on live TV saying that they have been chosen for the top 8. These top 8 will then play a series of games (with the last games being on June 17), with the overall winner being chosen for the draft.
BSJapanext is a subsidiary of Japanet Broadcasting Co., Ltd created in March 2022 specializing in satellite broadcasting. The company broadcasts various programs, such as quiz and travel shows, as well as the only free broadcast of the PGA Tour in Japan.
The CEO of Japanet Broadcasting Co., Ltd, Satou Takamitsu, said that the increasing popularity of mahjong and their desire to broadcast mahjong programs were some of the reasons why they chose to join M-League.
This is the newest team to join M-League since the Kadokawa Sakura Knights were created in the 2019-20 season.
More information will be added to this article as it becomes available.
Kondo Seiichi Steps Down As A Player, Replaces Yoshino Shinichi As Team Manager
Kondo Seiichi of the Sega Sammy Phoenix has retired as a player on the team and is now the team’s new manager.
On May 25, the Sega Sammy Phoenix announced that Kondo Seiichi would be stepping down as a player.
In his retirement news release, Kondo stated that over the course of the M-League seasons, he was unable to play as well as he would have liked and chose not to continue because he did not see it improving. Even when the Sega Sammy Holdings company requested that he stay, Kondo explained the situation and the team understood.
At around the same time, it was announced that team manager Yoshino Shinichi would be stepping down as team manager and would be replaced by Kondo.
In the manager news release, Kondo stated that he initially declined the manager position as well, but the improved contract conditions changed his mind and the he will help lead the team to victory.
Kondo Seiichi was the the Sega Sammy Phoenix’s 2nd-round pick in the inaugural M-League Draft in 2018. In the 2019-20 season, he had the third-highest total score in the regular season and won the 4th-place avoidance award. With his help, the team finished 2nd place in the finals that year. The team was able to get another 2nd place finish with his help in the 2021-22 season.
There were so many people looking at the news that their server crashed and the team had to post a screenshot of the news releases on Twitter.
On the same day, the team also announced that Uotani Yuumi, Kayamori Sayaka and Tojo Rio would renew their contracts for the 2023-24 season.
With the vacancy in the Sega Sammy Phoenix roster, the Sega Sammy Phoenix will need to draft one player in the upcoming M-League draft. Due to the mixed gender team rule established in the 2019-20 season, the team must pick a male player since their other three players are female.
The M-League Watch team would like to wish Kondo Seiichi good luck in his new position.
M-League 2022-23 Finals: Games #15-16 and the Awards Ceremony
This is it. The final day of the M-League 2022-23 Season. After countless hours of tile tossing, players posing and yakuman yearning, the results of these last two games will decide who will be the new M-League champion. There are two games and an awards ceremony to go through, so let’s get right into it, shall we?
Before the Games
For the final day of the season, the classic duo of Hiyoshi Tatsuya and Tsuchida Kousho did the commentary
At the M-League public viewing, a crowd gathered at the Bellesall Roppongi to watch all the action.
After the final recap of the season, we took a look at the standings going into the last day.
The battle for 3rd place between Team Raiden and the EX Furinkazan is hot with the next two game deciding it all. And though the Konami Mahjong Fight Club are far away from the 1st place Shibuya Abemas, they have one more day to pass them.
With the stage set and the players ready, the games began!
Intro | Game #15 | Game #16
Awards Ceremony | Final Thoughts
M-League 2022-23 Finals: Games #13-14
Thursday marks the penultimate day of the M-League 2022-23 Finals. In Games #13-14, we saw players battling as hard as they can, trying to invade while defending their own territory at the same time. We also saw a timely urasan, some very quick limit hands and an action by a certain player that gained them the respect of all. Let’s not take up your time and get right into it, shall we?
Before the Games
The commentators for the second-last day were Hiyoshi Tatsuya and former Konami Mahjong Fight Club member Fujisaki Satoshi. After a review of Tuesday’s actions, we looked at the standings.
The Shibuya Abemas were far ahead and time was running out. After a commercial break and the player entrances, Game #13 got started.
M-League 2022-23 Finals: Games #11-12
As the M-League anthem played, fans ran to their screens to see Games 11 and 12 of the M-League 2022-23 Finals. And on those screens, we saw players running away with games. We also saw a ura madness, some flushes and a rare event that hasn’t happened in the finals since the 2019-20 Finals! With so many things to go through, let’s get right into it, shall we?
Before the Games
For this last Tuesday, Matsushima Momo is doing her final commentary of the season alongside former U-Next Pirates member Asakura Koushin.
After the previous day’s digest, we took a look at the standings.
After the usual introduction routine, it was time for the games!
M-League 2022-23 Finals: Games #9-10
We are into the last week of the M-League 2022-23 Finals and this season! This Monday is the last M-League Monday until the fall. During the 9th and 10th game of the M-League 2022-23 Finals, direct hits on the competition were the name of the game. From flushes to hanemans, we saw some great point swings. We also saw a very exciting hand filled with passed wins and a furiten riichi! Let’s minimize the preamble and let’s get right into it, shall we?
Before the Games
For this final Monday of the season, Kobayashi Misa and Saikouisen’s Kouno Naoya were the commentators of the day. After a review of Friday’s action, we checked on the standings once again.
After the usual player introductions, the game started!
M-League Watch 