The 81-Square Universe

I saw a high-ranked player open like this on shogidojo. Whats this opening called and whats the purpose of it. It looks kinda weakening to push that pawn so early. What if opponent makes a quick attack with static rook? Is he going opposing rook then?

he wants to make a bisshop trade, and then defend the 8e square by the knight. After that he has some attacking chances on the 6th file. In my limited experience, it is difficult to time your bisshop drop so it is able to put pressure on the opponent, while not getting trapped. Also the pawn on 8f looks silly when the opponent goes for ranging rook, so you'll have to go ranging rook also.

It's "Bishop-pawn Strategy" invented by professional player Kunio Yonenaga.
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%A7%92% ... 6%E6%B3%95

This strategy was invented by amateurs before Yonenaga wrote a book of it according to old Kato Jiro.

Oh, is that so!?
I didn't know that. Sorry.