Japan Chess Association
The Japan Chess Association (日本チェス協会 Nihon Chesu Kyōkai, JCA) was the governing chess organization in Japan and was affiliated to FIDE. However, having never been registered as a non-profit organization or any other kind of juridical entity in Japan, it is considered a personal business of its representative. In order to participate in the 2006 and 2010 Asian Games chess competitions, it temporarily joined the Japanese Olympic Committee as an associate member but later withdrew. Similarly, it joined the Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA) but later withdrew. Since the passing of former president Yasuji Matsumoto in  January 2003, the post of president has been vacant. Besides, JCA has no vice-president, board of directors, or auditors. Miyoko Watai is the self-appointed "acting president", although in principle that title cannot be used officially anymore since the previous president's terms of office have long ago expired. As described further below, JCA has been repeatedly criticized due to its lack of financial transparence, as well as behaviour contradicting the regulations of its parent federation, FIDE. In January 2019, the replaced JCA as the governing chess organization in Japan. Main events. Items in bold indicate FIDE-rated  events. Criticism. Lack of financial transparency. There has been no elections since the passing of former president Matsumoto. Since JCA is not a juridical person it is not subject to auditing, and it refuses to disclose financial information to its members. JCA regulations state that "JCA shall entrust business involving financial risks to KK Japan Chess Association Business Division (JCAB)" In addition, in order for members to participate in the administration, it is necessary first to form a regional club federation and then appoint a representative to a board meeting. However, members of the board meeting are required to keep  a confidentiality agreement and therefore regular members cannot get hold of any financial information concerning JCA. JCA resells a variety of chess products. Although JCA claims to offer “special prices for members” as one of the perks of membership, almost all products are offered at above market rates, with some products costing up to double the price charged elsewhere. In addition, the only books in the "Recommended for Beginners" section are two books authored by Miyoko Watai. Problems concerning statutes and regulations. The FIDE Laws of chess, article 8.3 states that "the scoresheets are the property of the organiser  of the competition", implying the paper used to score the game is property of the organiser. In JCA's Japanese translation, however, that article is translated as "the scoresheets, as well as its recorded contents, are the property of the organiser of the competition" (bold added for emphasis). This goes against the chess tradition of considering chess scores as public domain once published. In case a member publishes an opinion or proposal concerning JCA using the internet, that in itself is considered grounds for automatically rejecting the proposal. In addition, such a member can be subject to penalties. JCA requires  players competing in international events to cover the expenses of JCA's so-called "officers". Recent administration. In 2013, major organization mishaps occurred in the Japan Championship, in the Women's Championship and in the Japan League.