 Genan desired the prestigious position of the Meijin godokoro, but was unsuccessful as a result of political manoeuvres by Honinbo Jowa.Instead, the title and office were obtained by Jowa with the aid of Hayashi Gembi, an ally within the government.In response, Genan sought to use Akaboshi, his prodigy, in an attempt to embarrass Jowa into retirement.