The Kisei (棋聖) (translation "Go Saint") is the most prestigious top title of the Japanese professional Go scene. It is sponsored by the Yomiuri Shinbun (see also
here). The title comes with a cool 42 million Yen in prize money.
As with all of the seven Japanese top titles, the title holder is challenged by the winner of a preliminary tournament (in this case a very long one). The final is a best of seven, played in January and February. Both players have 8 hours of thinking time, so every game is played during two consecutive days.
On March 18, 2004 Hane Naoki took the seventh and final game to become the 28th Kisei at the expense of previous title holder Yamashita Keigo.
A List of the Kisei Title Results
Two players of the Japanese classical period are given the title 'Kisei': Dosaku and Shusaku.
See Honinbo Jowa - Sage or Scoundrel by John Fairbairn that describes his elevation to the "status" of Kisei and his subsequent downfall from that position among the elite.
Contributors: Stefan, Dave Sigaty, Charles