At the start of the opening, Mr. Ichiro Yoshikuni, the tournament adviser, and the chairman of Japan Pair Go Association, gave the opening speech, "We have the 11th tournament today supported by numbers of people, thought we were anxious if the professional pair-Go would be familiarized in the early days. It is very exciting to see the top 32 professional Go players join together here. On behalf of the organizer, I am very pleased to see such an exiting view that has never seen before, and it is really an epoch making event. I would like to show my appreciation to all the people involved. I hope that all the Go fans could enjoy watching the game; accordingly, they would be better Go players."

Opening ceremony greeting Mr. Ichiro Yoshikuni, Chairman of the Japan Pair Go Association

Mr.Chen Zude, the chairman of China Go Association

Mr. Chen Zude, the chairman of China Go association, who especially cooperates for the Ricoh Cup 2005 final game that will be held in Beijing, addressed, "I am extremely thankful to be invited here. On behalf of the China Go association, I would like to express my congratulations. The pair-Go is quite popular also in China, and many Go fans enjoy to play it. Generally, playing Go is a severe battle that must be fought solely. On the other hand, the pair-Go requires not only individual intension but also thoughtfulness to the partner. It must be important that the game result is not everything, but it attracts all the Go fans and makes them to be interested. In this sense, I am expecting a promising possibility for this pair-Go. I am sure that this tournament will be successful. I feel very happy that the final game will be held in Beijing this year. I appreciate it very much that numbers of Chinese Go fans could be pleased. I am personally looking forward to watching the final game in Beijing."

The guests who attend the opening ceremony

Mr.Hideo Otake, the honorary Kisei, who acts as a chief referee

Mr. Hiroshi Hamada, the tournament sponsor, the tournament executive committee and the supreme adviser for Ricoh Co., Ltd.; Ms. Hiroko Taki, a director of Japan Pair Go Association; and Mr. Hitoshi Kurasawa, a councilor of Japan Pair Go Association were introduced on the stage. Then, Mr. Hideo Otake, the honorary Kisei, who acts as a chief referee this year, announced the opening of the tournament. Mr. Otake addressed, "Please understand about the 32 professional Go players' idea that would be implied in placing a stone one by one, and become a much better Go player at least by 32 Moku." This speech encouraged all the guests in the hall.