#Japan #Tokyo #Board Game #Daiwa Life Next #Apartment Revitalization

Revitalizing Community Spaces: The New Board Game from Daiwa Life Next

Daiwa Life Next Co., Ltd., a part of the Daiwa House Group located in Minato, Tokyo, has introduced an innovative board game called Apartment Revitalization Game. This new game targets the pressing issues surrounding the revitalization of aging apartment complexes, particularly in communities where the average resident age is rising significantly.

Addressing an Urgent Topic

Research from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism shows that more than half of the households in apartments built 40 years ago have a head of household aged 70 or older. By 2024, it is estimated that around 1.48 million apartments in Japan will be over 40 years old, a figure that could almost double by 2034. These conditions present complex challenges not only for the residents but also for the broader society, making the management and revitalization of these apartments crucial issues.

However, revitalization efforts often require a special majority vote among owners, which can complicate decision-making and dialogue. A survey conducted by the Apartment Future Value Research Institute reveals that around 70% of apartment owners have never received information on revitalization options, highlighting a significant knowledge gap among those who might need to engage in discussions about these important changes.

The Development of Apartment Revitalization Game

Designed as a follow-up to the 2024 Apartment Management Game, this new board game is aimed at transforming traditional learning tools into interactive experiences that enable participants to see apartment revitalization as a personal concern. By providing a hands-on experience, the game fosters a sense of ownership among players, encouraging them to engage in discussions about revitalization possibilities.

Features of the Game

The Apartment Revitalization Game offers players the opportunity to step into the shoes of a management committee member. Each participant can explore various options such as reconstruction, full renovation, or land sales, while navigating the complexities of decision-making and consensus-building among diverse apartment owners. The game reflects real-world scenarios, including resident absenteeism and varying levels of resident engagement.

1. Collaborative Decision-Making: Unlike competitive games, this board game is designed for cooperation, emphasizing dialogue and mutual understanding among players as they work towards a common goal.
2. Simulation of Real Challenges: Participants encounter challenges typical of actual apartment management, allowing them to experience the difficulties of reaching a consensus in a fun and engaging way.
3. Encouragement of Understanding: The game aims to deepen participants' understanding of differing perspectives and values among their neighbors.

Educational and Engaging

This game is specifically crafted for apartment management committees for buildings that are approximately 30 to 50 years old. These buildings are increasingly facing the need to evaluate their future in terms of possible reconstruction or revitalization, yet many are commencing this dialogue too slowly. The Apartment Revitalization Game aims to stimulate thought and discussion about the future of these important residential spaces.

Ideal Usage Scenarios

The game is envisioned for use in workshops and training sessions, providing a valuable hands-on experience for industry professionals. Participants can leverage this interactive content to enhance their understanding and prepare for revitalization proposals, ultimately raising awareness of the issues pertaining to apartment complexes.

About the Apartment Future Value Research Institute

Founded in 2019 as Japan's first comprehensive research institute focused on apartment management companies, the Apartment Future Value Research Institute tackles various challenges faced by aging apartments. These range from the shortage of willing committee members caused by an aging population to rising repair costs due to material expenses and labor shortages. The institute aims to cultivate new strategies for apartment value creation through thorough research and reporting.

For more details on the Apartment Revitalization Game, visit the official website.

With the goal of fostering future-ready communities, Daiwa Life Next continues to develop innovative tools that empower residents to actively participate in decisions that will shape the livelihoods of their communities.