In the rural town of Kawara, Japan, a unique phenomenon is taking place: children are engrossed in a trading card game featuring the town’s middle-aged men. This unlikely hit has not only captured the creativity of the local youth but has also sparked interest from abroad, revitalizing a community facing the challenges of depopulation and aging.

The Game’s appeal

The trading card game, known as “ojisan” (middle-aged man) cards, has become a popular pastime among children in Kawara. Twelve-year-old Sasuke, who plays about three times a week, explains the game’s allure:

It feels great when you win, but it’s even more fun when you use a card featuring someone you actually know.

The game’s success lies in its ability too connect the younger generation with the older members of the community, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity.

Unexpected Attention

The team behind the game has been surprised by the attention it has garnered. Yuki Murakami, a town official, notes:

We’ve had visitors from Holland and czech Republic, who came just to see the cards and buy a starter pack.

The game was initially created to bridge the gap between local children and older people. Murakami adds:

We made the cards so local kids and older people would get together. We think it’s been a success. Children are really good at remembering faces, and they’ve even persuaded some of the shyer adults to become characters.

Local Heroes on Cards

The cast of characters featured on the cards includes a diverse range of local figures, each with their own unique skills and attributes. Among them are:

• Mr. Honda: The former head of the local fire brigade, skilled in first aid and rescue work.
• Mr. Takeshita: A soba chef who teaches noodle-making classes.
• Mr. Kitamura: A handyman who can fix any broken electrical appliance.
• Mr. fujii: A former prison correctional officer who now works as a volunteer driver for older residents.

A Community United

Eri Miyahara, secretary general of a local community council, conceived the idea of using collectible cards to foster social interaction between children and older people. She explains:

I thought the card game was a fun way to introduce people to each other. The kids read the cards very carefully and seem to remember each character’s qualities right away.

Initially intended as collectibles, the cards evolved into pokemon-style trading cards at the urging of children who saw the competitive potential.

Revitalizing a Depopulating Town

Kawara, like many rural communities in Japan, has been grappling with an aging and shrinking population. The town’s population peaked at about 19,000 after World War II but has as fallen below 10,000, with more than 40% of residents aged 65 or over. The local schools have consolidated, with just 220 pupils sharing the same roof.

Tsuruga, another town official, believes the card game has had a positive impact:

Not many people knew of Kawara, but that has changed thanks to the card game. It’s true we have a depopulation problem,so if the game gets people to come here,who knows,some might even decide to live here. Above all, it’s done wonders for the psychology of the town.

‘People Even Ask for My Autograph’

Hiroe Nishiu, the cards’ designer, gave each person the “anime treatment,” creating AI-like versions of the local heroes. She says:

I used a photo of each person and gave them the anime treatment,so they all look a bit like AI versions of themselves.

Kawai, a retired robotics firm employee featured on the cards, shares his experience:

I was asked to provide a photo, but I had no idea about how I’d look on a card game. Now I come across kids and hear them say, ‘oh look, there’s that guy on the trading cards.’ It’s made it much easier for everyone to communicate … it was nothing like that before the game appeared.

Hiroyuki Fukushima, a former train driver and volunteer worker, is equally surprised by his newfound celebrity:

When I saw the cards for the first time, I have to admit I was a bit embarrassed. I still feel that way. People even come up to me to ask for my autograph.

Breaking Down Barriers

The game has fostered increased community involvement among children and has helped to break down barriers between generations. Miyahara notes:

Take Kawai-san. He’s done lots of amazing things with robots, but no one knew.

Kawai, Fukushima, and Shinya Mimura, a town council member featured on six cards, joke about the pleasant rivalries that have emerged. Miyahara emphasizes the game’s egalitarian nature:

It’s not like one character is dramatically stronger than the others. And all of them are all alive and well, so unlike other trading games, they don’t ‘die’ when they lose. That would be way too dark.

Defeated characters take a break in the Yuzu Room, the old primary school nurse’s office, until the end of the game.

A Unique Local Experience

Ten-year-old eitaro considers the ojisan heroes the “best” trading card game he’s ever played, adding:

The rules are easy to understand. But,best of all,it’s something you can only play here in Kawara.

The ojisan trading card game has not only brought joy and connection to the community of Kawara but has also offered a unique solution to the challenges of rural depopulation and social cohesion. By celebrating the skills and contributions of its middle-aged men, Kawara has created a game that is both entertaining and deeply meaningful.