Neconome Inc.'s booth is coming to TOKYO GAME SHOW 2026 (TGS2026), running from Thursday, September 17 to Monday, September 21, 2026, at Makuhari Messe.
The booth centers on KIOU, the competitive shogi game that launched in June 2026, and includes an early hands-on look at the upcoming "Story" feature, a cast talk event with a reading drama, and a talk-and-match event pairing a shogi commentator with professional shogi players.
Booth Overview (Location: Hall 1, Booth 01-C10)
The booth brings KIOU's world to life inside a Japanese-style space decorated with cherry blossoms and paper lanterns.
The stage at the center of the booth is a life-size recreation of Cafe KIOU, the game's setting, complete with tatami mats and floor cushions, letting visitors step into a place that previously existed only on screen. All talk events and match events take place inside this recreated cafe, and outside of stage event hours, the space is open to visitors as a photo spot.
The shogi pieces placed on the stage are moriage-goma (lacquer-relief pieces) specially borrowed for this exhibition from piece-maker Shingen (X: @shingen_koma). Real pieces, each individually built up layer by layer with lacquer, are arranged inside the recreated setting of the game's world.
Trial Corner: An Early Look at the New "Story" Feature
Visitors can get an early look at "Story," a new feature planned for a future update to KIOU, right at the TGS2026 venue. It's a special story created just for TGS2026, so don't miss it.
The official rollout timing and content of the "Story" feature will be announced separately at a later date.
The version of "Story" playable at the venue may differ in content from the official release version.
Visitor Giveaway
The booth will be giving out KIOU-branded uchiwa (hand fans) to visitors. A QR code on the back of the uchiwa links to KIOU's download page on each app store.
Available in limited quantities while supplies last.
Stage Events
September 19 (Saturday), 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM — KIOU Cast Talk & TGS2026 Original Reading Drama
Yuka Hiiragi (voice of Nekomiya Sakura), Haru Shinonome (voice of Himuro Yuki), and Yuki Dosaka (narration) join this stage to share behind-the-scenes stories from recording KIOU. The event also features a reading drama written especially for this stage, giving visitors a look at the "everyday" sides of Nekomiya Sakura and Himuro Yuki that the game itself doesn't show.
Cast: Yuka Hiiragi (Nekomiya Sakura), Haru Shinonome (Himuro Yuki), Yuki Dosaka (narration)
MC: Yume Shinohara (Ardy)
Yuka Hiiragi (voice of Nekomiya Sakura)
Haru Shinonome (voice of Himuro Yuki)
Yuki Dosaka (narration)
September 20 (Sunday), 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM — Professional Shogi Players x Shogi Commentator Sora Talk & Match Event
Taichi Nakamura (8-dan), Miran Nohara (Women's 2-dan), and shogi commentator Sora join this stage to talk about what makes KIOU appealing. After the talk, the professional players and Sora play a match in KIOU, giving visitors a chance to watch a professional player's perspective on the game live on stage.
Cast: Taichi Nakamura (8-dan), Miran Nohara (Women's 2-dan), Sora (shogi commentator)
MC: Aika Araki, Moeko Kodachi (Ardy)
Taichi Nakamura, 8-dan
Miran Nohara, Women's 2-dan (Photo courtesy of the Japan Shogi Association)
Sora (shogi commentator)
No reservations are required for either event.
Product Information
| Game Title | KIOU |
| Genre | Competitive shogi game |
| Developer/Publisher | Neconome Inc. |
| Platforms | iOS / Android / PC (Steam) |
| Price | Free-to-play (with in-app purchases) |
| Official Website | https://kioushogi.com/ |
| Official SNS | https://x.com/kiou_jp |
