First game of the Ryuu Ou title match to be held in Japan

http://live.shogi.or.jp/ryuou/

According to the Ryuu Ou site, the first game is going to be held on Mt. Hiei in the Shiga Prefecture, in Japan. Usually it's held overseas. Does anyone know if there's been an explanation as to why it's not going to be overseas this year?

It may be inferred that it's because of the current worldwide recession. I suppose the sponsor, Yomiuri Newspaper, couldn't afford an oversea title match.

It's currently held overseas every two years although it used be held there every year.

Oh, that makes sense. Thanks a bunch, Hidetchi and Takodori.

They could've at least went to Vladivostok, Russia; Busan, South Korea; Honolulu, HI, USA; or Tianjin, China... They're all VERY close to Japan .

Just thinking that way they can keep the tradition. I wouldn't say that it'll cost too much than going to a Schengen country or the Continental North America.

It costs more than just the trip itself of course. As for Hidetchi's comment, it seems there's been quite a problem recently with title sponsors. Didn't I hear something about the Meijin title sponsors earlier this year?

I wonder how is it decided, in which country will be the tournament held? I am curious, because if there would be a chance such tournament could be played in our country, it would be great for promoting shogi. If you could give me some details about it, i would be thankfull, we could discuss it here at Slovakia as association.