In early 2020, Japanese Go professional Tetsuya Mitani was diagnosed with stage IV malignant lymphoma. He immediately shifted his focus from competition to treatment, undergoing chemotherapy and surgery over the following months.

By summer 2020, Mitani had returned to formal tournament play. Colleagues described his comeback using a phrase that evokes resilience — "疾风劲草," meaning strong grass that withstands fierce winds. His playing style and character have both been noted as remarkably positive, even while facing serious illness.

"You never really know what will happen in life."

Following his return, Mitani's form improved steadily. He advanced into the main tournament draws for both the Oza and Judan titles, re-establishing himself as a competitive presence on the Japanese Go circuit.

The original interview was published by the Nihon Ki-in (Japan Go Association) and translated and compiled for a Chinese-speaking audience.