In Japan, regional depopulation and nationwide financial difficulties are going to cause living conditions in remote rural areas to deteriorate. However, we can avoid such a tragedy through the drastic reorganization of land use. For example, by transferring populations to regional centers and simplifying land management.
Unfortunately, the drastic reorganization of land use is extremely difficult because, in a democratic nation, it needs all interested parties to reach an agreement. To make matters worse, almost all Japanese people tend to avoid discussions on this topic. We have hypothesized that learning through an enjoyable game, called ‘Sim Rural’, will be useful in promoting discussions by interested parties.
This workshop was carried out at the University of Tokyo on June 27 and 28, 2015. Our aim was for participants to practically improve their ability to make an educational game related to the reorganization of land use.
The workshop was divided into seven stages. In the first stage, the participants learned about the reorganization of land use from a specialist in rural planning. In the second stage, they were divided into three groups, and then they practically learned the foundations of making an educational game with a specialist in education. In the third stage, each group independently made frameworks for a tiny Sim Rural, a card game related to the reorganization of land use.
In the fourth stage (on the second day), participants practically learned techniques to make their games joyful with a specialist in games. In the fifth stage, they continued making their games with materials we provided, for example, thick paper, blank cards, and dice. The sixth stage was the presentation of their games. Their three games (based on the themes of group refuge, reduction in village size, and urban-rural exchange) were practiced and appreciated by participating specialists. In the seventh stage, all participants actively shared their opinions.
In a similar workshop in 2014, a shorthanded group failed to finish developing their game. In this workshop, all groups finished their work. We surmise that they have improved their abilities and motivation to make an educational game related to the reorganization of land use.