USE CEO and President Attends Haifong Go Academy Appreciation Event, Expresses Gratitude for Long‑Standing Support from the Go Community
For the past fifteen years, the USE Cup Judan Tournament has played a significant role in promoting the development of professional Go in Taiwan, becoming an important stage for players striving for excellence. USE Electronics Co., Ltd. extends its heartfelt appreciation to Haifong Go Academy for hosting a warm and meaningful appreciation gathering on March 18, where many professional Go players and representatives from the Go community came together to mark the successful conclusion of this important tournament. USE CEO and President Junko Kato attended the event in person and expressed sincere gratitude for the Go community's long‑standing recognition and support.
A Bond Forged Through Go — Supporting the Growth of Professional Go in Taiwan
Veteran Go player Peng Ching-Hua attended the event and shared memories of his close connection with USE Founder Junichi Kato, dating back more than thirty years. Every Thursday, the two played Go in the chairman's office, building an eight‑year teacher‑student relationship and completing 120 games together.
Peng recalled that in 2008, when professional players initiated the founding of the Chinese Taipei Go Association, USE's founder served as its first chairman, strongly supporting both professional and amateur Go activities. When USE began sponsoring the Judan Tournament in 2011, Taiwan's professional Go community was at a critical stage. Peng emphasized that this selfless support not only upheld the tournament but also safeguarded the dreams of professional players and contributed to the continued growth of Go culture in Taiwan.
CPGA Chairman Ho Hsin‑ren remarked that Taiwan's professional players have made remarkable progress over the past fifteen years, now capable of competing with top players from China, Japan, and Korea. He expressed gratitude for USE's long‑term support and for the persistent efforts of professional players, which together have helped achieve today's accomplishments.
Peng Ching-Hua presents a bouquet to USE CEO and President Junko Kato
CPGA Chairman Ho Hsin‑ren presents a certificate of appreciation to USE CEO and President Junko Kato
Haifong Go Academy Director Lin Min‑hao described the relationship between Peng and USE founder Junichi Kato as "miraculous," noting its profound impact on Taiwan's Go development. He shared, "The chance of encountering a Japanese business leader in Taiwan who not only loves and understands Go but is also willing to invest in supporting it is truly a miracle."
After the passing of USE's founder, CEO and President Junko Kato has continued her father's warm support—not only safeguarding the Judan Tournament but also earning the deep respect of professional players with her sincerity and care.
Haifong Go Academy Director Lin Min‑hao presents a certificate of appreciation to USE CEO and President Junko Kato
USE‑Sponsored Champions and Women's Go Players Gather to Express Their Appreciation
Four professional players—YU Li-chun, YANG Tzu Hsuan, BAI Xinhui, and LU Yu-Hua—who were previously part of the USE Women's Formosa Team, also attended the event. Representing the team, YU Li‑chun expressed gratitude for USE's sponsorship from 2019 to 2021, which enabled women players to compete in the Chinese Women's Go League and gain valuable experience and development opportunities. The players presented a signed fan to CEO and President Junko Kato as a token of appreciation.
Yu Li‑chun delivering remarks
Women's Go players presenting a signed fan to USE CEO and President Junko Kato (YANG Tzu Hsuan, BAI Xinhui, USE CEO and President Junko Kato, YU Li‑chun, LU Yu‑Hua)
Additionally, five champions of the USE Cup Judan Tournament—CHOU Chun‑hsun, HSIAO Cheng‑hao, WANG Yuan‑jun, LIN Chun‑yen, and HSU Hao‑hung—also attended the gathering. Speaking on behalf of the champions, HSU Hao‑hung expressed gratitude for USE's fifteen years of support, sharing that each year's tournament contributed to his growth as a player. He added that last year's event, held at National Cheng Kung University, created unforgettable memories for all participants.
At the conclusion of the event, the past champions presented CEO and President Junko Kato with a signed Go board, symbolizing the lasting friendship and commitment that began from a meaningful Go connection three decades ago.
HSU Hao‑hung delivering remarks on behalf of past USE Cup champions
Past champions presenting a signed Go board to USE CEO and President Junko Kato (LIN Chun‑yen, WANG Yuan‑jun, USE CEO and President Junko Kato, HSU Hao‑hung, CHOU Chun‑hsun, HSIAO Cheng‑hao)
USE Thanks the Go Community for Its Warm Support
CEO and President Junko Kato expressed her gratitude, saying it was a great honor for the USE Cup Judan Tournament to receive such heartfelt recognition from the Go community. She thanked Haifong Go Academy, the CPGA, all players, and the many contributors working behind the scenes. Their dedication ensured the success of each edition and helped build the tournament's lasting cultural significance.
She added that in Go as well as other sports, athletes must devote tremendous time and effort to maintain their skill level. Behind every champion is a group of equally committed competitors who push each other forward. Building systems that enable professional players to sustain their livelihoods not only supports cultural development but also promotes physical and mental well‑being—ultimately contributing to a healthier, richer society.
We will continue to support these dedicated athletes in their pursuit of excellence. We, together with all employees at USE, express our deep gratitude for the public's long‑term support of the USE Cup Judan Tournament. The enduring connections formed through Go have become a cherished and invaluable part of who we are. Guided by our philosophy of "Partnership for a Better World," we will continue contributing to society and look forward to working together toward a brighter future.
Photo Credit: Haifong Go Academy
