Last updated on November 27th, 2025 at 10:08 am
81Dojo (World Online Shogi) – Sports Game Review
81Dojo (World Online Shogi) is a Sports/Board game from Tomohide Kawasaki, first launched in 21st August 2015.
It’s rated 4+ and currently has 65+ ratings on the App Store.
What Makes 81Dojo (World Online Shogi) Stand Out
This app is a mobile version of international online shogi site "81Dojo" (http://81dojo.com) under the patronage of the Japan Shogi Association.
81Dojo is characterized by its unique and advanced functionalities such as the post-game analysis support, very real playing environment including professional byoyomi voice, and the internationalization. All of these feature are provided in this mobile version too. 81Dojo stays with you all the time, while you take it with your mobile to anywhere you go to. Why not take a little break and enjoy some short games at 81Dojo?
(81Dojo is completely free of charge, free download and free playing.)
[Note]
- If you are not familiar with 81Dojo yet, it is recommended that you first try the web browser version and get used to its unique features and functionalities, before using this mobile app.
- User account registration can be done via 81Dojo website. (Non-registered users can login with guest account as well.)
- Any comments, wishes, bug reports to [email protected] would be appreciated. We keep improving the app quality. We would also appreciate your sending ratings and reviews if you find this app satisfactory.
[Disclaimer]
- 81Dojo has the full responsibility in the development and distribution of this app. The supporting bodies and cooperative bodies of the desktop computer oriented site "81Dojo" will not be liable to any matters related to this app.
- In no event shall 81Dojo be legally liable to the user for any matters arising out of using this app.
This Sports game offers engaging gameplay and regular updates for mobile players.
Player Feedback
As a newer release, 81Dojo (World Online Shogi) is building its player community. Early feedback suggests .
Recent Updates & Development
Latest Update: 25th October 2025
Recent improvements include:
- Illegal move rescue options
- Touched sqaure preview to prevent mistapping
- UI improvements
- Bugfixes
Download & Availability
81Dojo (World Online Shogi) is available through the official App Store for iOS devices.
Get 81Dojo (World Online Shogi) on App Store
Requirements: Requires iPhone 5s / iPad Air / iPad Air (Cellular) / iPad Mini 2 (Retina) / iPad Mini 2 (Retina, Cellular) / iPhone 6 / iPhone 6 Plus / iPad Air 2 / iPad Air 2 (Cellular) / iPad Mini 3 or later.
Compatible with iPhone and iPad devices.
Player Experience Highlights
Community Insight:
Ive played on ShogiWars, ShogiQuest, and lishogi (still do). In our opinion, this is the best online shogi experience: large, friendly, and dedicated worldwide community. We hope it will continue to spread the beauty of shogi to others. Just remember, though: no nifu.
Ive been using 81 Dojo for a couple years now. Great app and community, Ive never had any issues with anything.
This app is DECENT. You definitely need to know the rules of shogi before playing here, the app has no teaching features itself, but with a fairly large community you can learn quick enough. English speakers are a bit sparse it seems though we have been undeterred. Switching over from playing years of chess we find having pieces in hand excitingly refreshing. The app is strictly for games watching/playing, in conjunction with the web system found online much more can be found to play well google translate is sufficient to navigate the website well enough.
Sound effects, even when disabled, will still play. This wouldn't be much of an issue if it weren't for the fact that any music playing is interrupted by sound effects. Please fix.
Contrary to the review that came up for us, the non-Japanese experience is far from poor. Its amazing! Easy to switch everything to English, no broken translations, and international/training pieces available for those of us who are learning! Highly recommend.
The UI used to be good but now its just too crowded. The board need to be bigger filling the width of the tablet and the buttons/ menu/chat option need to be tucked away in one place, not multiple places. And why is there two sides swipe for moves info? We wish we could send the app developer our ideas for UI layout.
If you like Shogi, get this app. Its a bit finicky but that is nothing compared to the customization and wide array of features the app provides for 100% free.
Everyone who likes Chess would like Shogi. This is the best online shogi-app for those outside of Japan as of now.
So we spend a lot of time waiting for someone to accept our game or to someone of our level accept our challenge.
The app is good, though it would be nice if there was a way to remain connected to the servers if you take too long to think and your phone auto locks. The shogi free app allows that, so Im guessing its an issue on the hosts end. But the players are extremely friendly and helpful and its overall a very fun experience.
We're impressed at how well built this system is. We really enjoy being ranked by the games that we play. Just be careful about making illegal moves, unlike standard chess games that won't let you do it in Shogi it will cost you the game.
Its a pretty smooth app with a great community along with some fun Shogi playing. There isnt any AI practice but it definitely gives you a good learning chance playing real people.
We like 81Dojo for the most part, but the non-Japanese experience is poor for new players. When we try to get friends to download the app and play locally through WiFi we kick each other off. Additionally, on the mobile app there is no way to change the image used for the pieces to an international set, so we cannot teach our friends as easily (this feature exists on the website). Having to create an account on the website to work for mobile feels really bad and confusing. Single player experience playing online is pretty good. Watching others is great. Signing in as guest is great.
Simply the best tool for online shogi. Wonderful community, and easy to use interface.
User feedback from Apple App Store
App Details
- Version: 2.3.2
- Size: 12.10 MB
- iOS: 12.0 or later
- Languages: EN, FR, DE, HU, IT, JA, KO, RU, ZH, ES, ZH
- Content Advisory:
- Developer: Tomohide Kawasaki
Last updated: 25th October 2025 | Genre: Sports, Board | Developer: Tomohide Kawasaki