The excitement of collecting trading cards is familiar to many. But imagine a scenario where each card features a different middle-aged man from your locality.

In Kawara, a town in Fukuoka Prefecture, a novel trading card game featuring local middle-aged men has taken off to strengthen the ties between the younger generation and the older community members.

Known as “Ojisan” cards, these collectible packs have garnered significant interest from local children. The initiative began in an effort to bridge the gap between ages, and it has turned into a wholesome project that has the whole community buzzing.

Key Figure
Eri Miyahara, the mastermind behind this card game and Secretary General of the Saidosho Community Council, stated in a recent interview, “I realized that relationships among children were weak. Our town is filled with incredible individuals, and it was time for the younger generation to get to know them.”
(Translation: I realized that relationships among children were weak. Our town is filled with incredible individuals, and it was time for the younger generation to get to know them.)

Game Evolution
Originally designed merely as a collectible game, it soon evolved into a competitive format. Children started to gauge the combat abilities offered by their cards, leading to the implementation of battle mechanics where players outmaneuver each other using their characters’ real-world skills.

Among the popular cards is All-Rounder featuring 68-year-old former correctional officer Daimitsu Fujii. It’s touted for having the highest strength stats, making it a coveted card among the kids. Fujii remarked that since the card’s release, he has received numerous requests for autographs — a testament to the newfound admiration from the local youth.

As Miyahara shared, the game has even spurred more local kids to engage in volunteer activities, bridging community gaps while showcasing achievements of the local elders. “People who rarely interacted before are now acknowledging one another as ‘heroes that can be met,’” she expressed, hoping this trend fosters a lasting community bond.

For just ¥100 (around $0.70), children can collect a trio of cards, or opt for six for ¥500 (about $3.50) — sometimes inclusive of a special shiny card featuring a middle-aged individual.

It’s heartening to see how a simple card game can unify a community while putting the spotlight on remarkable local figures.