Kyoto Board Game Shrine fostering collaboration on social issues

A new community hub named “Bodoge Jinja”, or “Board Game Shrine”, has opened in Kyoto, designed to use board games as a tool for tackling social issues. The centre is located within the Some-Usagi select shop in the city’s Okazaki district.

The idea is to provide a platform for undiscovered board games, particularly “serious” games that address complex topics. It wants to foster a community where people dedicated to social improvement can connect and transform ideas into tangible action. Drawing inspiration from Japanese culture, the hub uses a unique framework where creators “dedicate” their works, similar to an offering at a traditional shrine. The organisation running the platform, MOTHEREARTH Co., Ltd., clarifies that Board Game Shrine is a cultural, educational, and co-creation centre, not a religious facility.

The collection focuses on games designed to promote understanding, dialogue, and action on issues such as climate change, diversity, financial literacy, and disaster prevention. By curating these specialised games, the centre seeks to provide an accessible medium for engaging with significant societal challenges.

Board Game Shrine is positioned as a “third place” for a diverse range of stakeholders. It brings together educators, NPO staff, local government officials, corporate sustainability managers, researchers, and the public in a collaborative environment. Facilitated game sessions are a core component of the experience, ensuring that interactions are productive and meaningful.

To support game creators, the hub offers a comprehensive five-step programme, including assistance with refining initial ideas, project planning and consultation, game design and rule development, media exposure, and sales support through both the physical Kyoto store and online channels. This structure provides a complete pathway from concept to social implementation.