Zenbird Editorial TeamA new programme using a board game aims to solve a persistent challenge for local governments: how to effectively incorporate the views of children and young people into policymaking. The game, ‘Express your own VIEWS’, was developed to provide a fun and creative channel for youth to participate in community development.
The programme was co-developed by Spice, an organisation founded by Chiba University graduate students of education, and a university professor specialising in policy and local governance. It uses a collaborative board game where players use a local map and “problem cards” to brainstorm and present solutions for issues they identify in their area. This game-based approach is designed to help children express their genuine opinions in a relaxed setting.
A successful pilot project was conducted in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, in October 2024. The “Sumida ‘Children’s’ Town Meeting” involved 40 fifth-grade primary school students who used the game to discuss the future of their ward directly with the mayor and council officials.
The pilot demonstrated the programme’s effectiveness, with all participating children reported satisfaction with the workshop. Furthermore, 83 percent stated that their motivation to participate in community development had increased after the event, with a third of those children going on to participate in other related events. It also received strong endorsement from local officials, as all of the participating staff members expressed a desire to use the ‘VIEWS’ programme to reflect children’s opinions in the future.
The game is a potential tool to address a common problem for authorities on how to implement the national Basic Act for Children, which calls for youth opinion to be reflected in policy. Spice has begun rolling out the programme to other local authorities across Japan.
[Reference] PR Times (Japanese)
