Shingo Hirafuji

Shingo Hirafuji (平藤 眞吾) is a Japanese professional shogi player ranked 7-dan.

Early life and apprenticeship
Hirafuji was born in Toyonaka, Osaka on October 15, 1963. He entered the Japan Shogi Association's apprentice school as student of shogi professional Shōzō Kashū in 1980. He was promoted to 1-dan in 1983 and obtained full professional status and the rank of 4-dan in April 1991.

Playing style
Hirafuji is considered an all-around player who is adept at many different Static Rook and Ranging Rook strategies.

Promotion history
Hirafuji's promotion history is as follows:


 * 6-kyū: 1980
 * 1-dan: 1983
 * 4-dan: April 1, 1991
 * 5-dan: March 1, 1996
 * 6-dan: November 5, 2002
 * 7-dan: October 25, 2011