For my most memorable game, I would like to introduce the first women's tournament final that I ever played in.

I had become a professional the year before this game and this was the first time I had taken part in the Women's Kakusei Tournament. I started out in the preliminary round and then won my first-round game in the main tournament. I was chatting with some professional friends at the Nihon Ki-in when someone asked me what the time allowance in the Women's Kakusei was. I answered: 'One hour, followed by one-minute byo-yomi.' My friends all looked surprised and said: 'It's 30 seconds!' Even now, I remember this scene well.

I think that I had entered byo-yomi in all the four games I had played so far but still thought it was 60 seconds. I was quite shocked with myself.

At that time, I hadn't been a professional for very long, and just being able to play professionals games was fresh and fun for me. (This brings back my early ambitions.)

With such a happy-go-lucky attitude, I hadn't expected to keep winning, and I started to think about playing in the final only after reaching the semifinal.

The day before the final, I was very nervous. What if I played an awful game? What if I collapsed in the opening? These were the thoughts crossing my mind, but on the day of the final the weather was fine and my mood also became sunny. I resolved to play in a relaxed way.

In the opening, Black took the lead in profit and White expanded her influence while waiting for a chance to attack. We each kept to our own style.

I played freely in the opening, but when I went into byo-yomi in the middle game, it was probably obvious that I felt panicky. After forcing with 122, I played really risky moves with 124 and 136 etc., but I took control of three black stones with 134 and captured five black stones at the top, then rescued my group in the bottom right. This gave White the lead. After that, I cut with 212 and boldly challenged Black to a ko fight, but there was an enigmatic turn of events: I didn't use my ko threats and suffered repeated losses, but somehow I managed to end the game with the lead.

My family and professional friends had come to the hall where there was a public commentary to support me. I heard later than when my win was decided my younger brother cried tears of joy. I'm glad I was able to keep faith with him.

A professional friend said to me: 'Each move made me nervous. Although you were ahead, it looked as if you didn't want to win.'

All I can remember is that I was in a panic from the middle game on, but my friends were happy for me, so this was a very enjoyable victory.