about Shogi's mystical play '81 Diver' is a drama about the world of shogi, about the confrontation between professionals and amateurs who earn money from shogi. It is also about the path of the protagonist, who failed to pass the exam for a professional and is looking for his way in life, meeting with different players, overcoming difficulties on the path of growth in skill, growing in spirit.
The name of the drama is a name that the main character invented for himself, and which reflects his main skill: to immerse himself in the 81st cage of the Shogi game, i.e. to plunge into the depths of the Shogi.
The idea is excellent (immediately reminiscent of the masterpiece anime "Hikaru-no-Go", which tells about the game of Go, with which you immediately begin to compare). Alas, but the realization did not justify itself and the drama was not even up to a decent average level. What's the matter?
Screenwriters introduced many mystical-detective elements into the drama, which, unfortunately, the director and actors were unable to adequately implement. In fact, I don't know why they're even here. At least it would be better to dwell on one thing that could be done well than to create a compote from all sorts of clichés, and quite mediocre level (this applies to types, appearance, special effects, plot twists, etc.).
The behavior of heroes is not always logical and natural. Characters are written quite poorly (except for a few characters). Especially famous for this is the main character who can neither convey the love of the game, nor show maturity and growth in skill. Unfortunately, this would have to be the most important thing in the drama, and when watching this is missing.
By the way, it is assumed that the viewer already knows the rules of the game, because people who are not familiar with shogi, many moments will be frankly boring (which, again, does not happen in Hikaru no Go, even if the viewer is not familiar with Go).
Those who like the drama are the fans of the game... just because it’s about their passion. Others, unless there is nothing else to do. . .