Social Change Agency’s Educational Breakthrough
In April 2026, the
Social Security Game, developed by the NPO
Social Change Agency based in
Taito, Tokyo, reached a significant milestone, exceeding
100 orders. This educational tool aims to improve access to Japan's social security system through the integration of education, technology, and policy proposals. The game serves as an engaging way for participants to learn about social security in various settings, from middle schools to professional development in companies.
Widespread Demand
The diverse range of orders reflects a remarkable interest in social security education across different sectors. Clients include middle and high schools, universities, educational boards, medical institutions, social welfare organizations, local governments, professional groups, private enterprises, NGOs, freelancers, and individual learners. This demand spans regions from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south, illustrating how awareness of social security transcends specific professional fields and demographics.
A Comment from the Founder
Hokuto Yokoyama, the Executive Director of the Social Change Agency, explains the motivation behind the game: "The Social Security Game was designed to transform the social security system from something that can only be utilized by those who understand it into a system that everyone can access as a right within their daily lives."
He further emphasizes that the expansion of the game into various educational environments—like middle and high school classrooms, university courses, training sessions for educators, workshops for healthcare and welfare professionals, local government staff training, corporate employee training, and community learning sessions—demonstrates a growing recognition of the importance of understanding social security.
Overview of the Social Security Game
The
Social Security Game is a simulation educational tool that allows players to learn about social security systems through fictional scenarios involving challenges such as unemployment, illness or injury, caregiving, childbirth and parenting, and bereavement.
- - Target Audience: Suitable for participants aged 13 and above, the game can be used in diverse settings including classrooms, training sessions, and community learning events.
- - Players: 4-6 players per set
- - Duration: 60-90 minutes
- - Price: 14,800 yen (tax included)
- - Sales Model: Made-to-order, available since March 2026
- - For more details and orders, visit the sales site.
Additional Highlights
Several media outlets, including
Saitama TV, have featured the implementation of the game, showcasing its innovative approach to engaging participants in social security education.
About Social Change Agency
The
Social Change Agency is an NPO committed to eliminating access disparities in Japan’s social security system through comprehensive educational programs, AI tools, and policy recommendations.
Profile of the Development Leader
Hokuto Yokoyama graduated from
Kanagawa Prefectural University of Health and Welfare and worked with patients' families in medical institutions before founding the NPO. He is the author of "Social Security from Age 15" (Nihon Hyoronsha), and has served on various committees, including the Cabinet Office's committee on loneliness and isolation response (2021-present) and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's committee for advancing social security education (2023).