The small town of Kawara in Fukuoka Prefecture created a Pokemon like card game featuring local middle-aged men as the stars.
The creator of the game is Eri Miyahara, the Secretary General of the Saidosho Community Council.
“We wanted to strengthen the connection between the children and the older generations in the community. There are so many amazing people here. I thought it was such a shame that no one knew about them,” she said in an interview with Fuji News Network (FNN). “Since the card game went viral, so many kids are starting to look up to these men as heroic figures.”
The plan worked. Kids have started attending local events and volunteering for community activities — just for a chance to meet the ojisan from their cards. Participation in town events has reportedly doubled since the game launched.