Isao Nakata

 is a Japanese professional shogi player, ranked 8-dan.
Nakata's nickname is コーヤン "Kōyan," after the on'yomi reading of his first name.
Theoretical contributions.
The Kōyan variation (コーヤン流 "Kōyan-ryū") of Third File Rook is named after him. In particular, his development of the so-called "Isao Nakata XP" is a very popular Third File Rook quick attack countermeasure against Static Rook Anaguma.
Promotion history.
Nakata's promotion history is as follows:
Awards and honors.
Nakata received the Japan Shogi Association's "25 Years Service Award" in 2011 in recognition of being an active professional for twenty-five years.