#Japan #Tokyo #Brillar #Card Game Academy #poker education

Brillar Launches Card Game Academy for Kids

In a groundbreaking initiative, Brillar Co., Ltd., led by CEO Mitsutoshi Obara, is set to extensively launch the Card Game Academy, a program aimed at nurturing critical thinking skills in children through the strategic game of poker. Scheduled to open its Ebisu location in June 2026, the Academy has plans to introduce additional branches in Ikebukuro and Shibuya shortly after.

The Card Game Academy stands apart as a unique educational facility in Japan, leveraging poker not as a gambling tool, but as a means to cultivate logical reasoning and decision-making skills among young learners. The curriculum is co-developed by professional poker players, including JOPT (Japan Open Poker Tour) champion experts, alongside Obara, a mother and business leader with a decade of experience in banking and statistics education.

The Academy's Vision

The primary goal of the Card Game Academy is to foster essential skills in children, such as:

• - Logical Thinking
• - Statistical Analysis
• - Decision-Making
• - Communication Skills
• - Emotional Control

As advancements in AI reshape the landscape of education, the Academy seeks to emphasize the importance of self-driven thinking and judgement. By using poker as a teaching methodology, students can navigate uncertain situations, developing critical thinking that is vital in today’s complex world.

Background of the Initiative

Obara’s personal experiences with card games have greatly influenced this project. Having cherished moments with card games since childhood, he recognized how closely poker relates to the decision-making processes in finance and management. His observations of his children playing poker—developing logical reasoning and emotional regulation—sparked the inspiration to extend these learning opportunities to other youths via the Card Game Academy.

Classroom Development in Partnership with Hunter Site

The Academy's operations are conducted in collaboration with Hunter Site, the organizer of Japan’s largest poker tournaments, such as JOPT. Classes will utilize existing poker facilities during off-hours, optimizing resources to create valuable educational experiences.

Upcoming Schedules and Events

• - Ebisu Campus Opening: June 7, 2026
• - Experience Sessions: July 4-5, 2026 (Ikebukuro and Shibuya)
• - School Openings: July 11 (Ikebukuro) and July 12, 2026 (Shibuya)

Junior Poker Tournament Announcement

The Card Game Academy will feature the inaugural CGA Tournament, cultivating an opportunity for children to apply their skills. This event is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at the Ebisu Campus, welcoming participants aged 6 to 15, including both students and general attendees.

Special Summer School Program

To further enhance learning, the Card Game Academy will host a three-day summer school during vacation. This unique program encourages children to learn probability, logical reasoning, communication, and decision-making through the joy of poker. The camp will also include a junior tournament on the final day, allowing participants to showcase their newly acquired skills.

Growth of International Networks
In the future, the Card Game Academy plans to introduce drop-off programs for families visiting from abroad. Obara envisions children connecting across borders, engaging in natural English communication at poker tables. This initiative aims to foster cultural interaction, providing opportunities for children from varying backgrounds to learn and grow together through the love of the game.

Leadership Insights

CEO Mitsutoshi Obara states, “In finance, effective decision-making amid uncertainty is essential. This mirrors the principles of poker. This curriculum combines expert practical knowledge from JOPT with my own experiência in statistics and finance, all to enhance children's critical faculties.” He further highlights the universal nature of poker as a common language that transcends borders and cultures, inspiring a space for children to expand their views while enhancing their decision-making skills.

Locations of Card Game Academy

• - Ebisu Campus: EGP EBISU, 1-11-1 Ebisu, Shibuya City, Tokyo, 150-0013 (1 minute walk from JR Ebisu Station)
• - Ikebukuro Campus: Ikebukuro Guild, 1-22-5 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo, 170-0013 (3 minutes walk from Ikebukuro Station)
• - Shibuya Campus: KKLIVE POKER SHIBUYA, 12-7 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo, 150-0042 (4 minutes walk from Shibuya Station)

Stay tuned for the official launch of Card Game Academy, as Brillar seeks to redefine education through the art of poker.