Go was introduced to Japan in 607 AD when cultural contact between China and Japan was initiated. The first written acounts of Go in Japan point to 740 AD, when it was brought by a court ambassador. It became popular in the court circles of Japan, and then among the warrior ranks of the samurai. The samurai played it leisurely, and as it spread through the military ranks the game became permanently infused in the Japanese culture. After it carried through the social system, most educated people played it amongst each other and in religious groups. A religious group called the monks of Nichiren wrote early strategies, and formed a group of the wisest and best Go players in Japan at the time. During these years Japanese monks became the Go leaders and teachers, and the traditional yin-yang starting formation was removed from the game. This more open board led Go strategy to higher levels, with more starting possibilities.

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