#Japan #Tokyo #Board Games #Family Games #Toy Manufacturer

Join Us for the Family Board Game Festival on May 2, 2026

A unique experience awaits parents and children at the Family Board Game Festival on May 2, 2026. Organized by the toy manufacturer GP Inc., this engaging event will be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center in Hamamatsucho. Designed especially for families with elementary school children (recommended for grades 1-3), the festival focuses on transforming play into meaningful learning experiences.

Our team at GP believes that learning is best supported by play—a place where critical thinking and trial-and-error skills flourish. That's why we've created an environment where children can explore the joys of board games while developing essential cognitive abilities together with their parents.

Event Highlights (Tentative)

The festival will feature three carefully chosen board games known for enhancing various aspects of learning:

1. Doubutsu Shogi (Animal Shogi) - This game, guided by its developer Mr. Kitao, helps nurture strategic thinking through interactive family workshops.
2. Imitori Karuta (Word-Association Karuta) - Engage in word discovery through a fun-filled workshop designed to explore the joy of language.
3. Ubongo - A puzzle adventure that challenges players to build shapes while racing against the clock!

Each game session is designed to last around 45 minutes, allowing ample breaks—making it perfect for beginners.

Learning Through Play

Parents are encouraged to join their children in the games, fostering an exciting, collaborative learning environment. Participants can compete against one another in friendly competitions, gaining essential skills such as judgment and logical reasoning while participating in enriching workshops like self-designed games using Imitori Karuta and Ubongo. More detailed information will be released shortly.

Featured Products

• - Doko Demo Doubutsu Shogi: A compact version of animal shogi suitable for ages 4 and up, providing a straightforward yet enriching experience for children. It effectively enhances concentration and cognitive skills.
• - Imitori Karuta: This recent game adapts the No.1 selling Shogakukan's Japanese Dictionary into an engaging card game. Players attain fun and educational experiences related to language while playing.
• - Ubongo Mini: A blend of puzzles and brain training, this game has become a favorite in educational institutions, helping families develop their spatial awareness through enjoyable challenges.

Event Details

• - Event Name: Family Board Game Festival
• - Date: May 2, 2026 (Saturday, Public Holiday)
• - Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Registration starts at 12:30 PM)
• - Location: 3rd Floor, North Exhibition Hall, Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center, Hamamatsucho
• - Target Audience: Elementary school children (recommended grades 1-3), must be accompanied by a guardian.
• - Capacity: 100 parent-child pairs (200 people total), pre-registration required.

Ticket Options

Attendees must register in advance. We have created three ticket types:
1. Parent-Child Pair Ticket: For 2 people (parent + child) - 4,000 JPY (tax included).
2. Additional Tickets: Child - 2,000 JPY, Guardian - 2,500 JPY (additional tickets cannot be purchased alone).
3. Pair Ticket with Bonus Game: Only for the first 30 pairs, priced at 5,000 JPY. One complimentary game is included with this ticket!

Support and Sponsorship

This event is supported by the AERA with Kids editorial team under Asahi Shimbun Publications, a media dedicated to enriching parenting experiences through play and learning. Expect to see a feature on “Best 100 Educational Games for Kids” in the upcoming winter issue of the magazine.

Insight into GP Inc.

GP Inc. is a renowned toy manufacturer known for exciting entertainment options such as Catan and Ubongo. By facilitating play, we connect people, encourage learning, and strive to make the future a more enjoyable place.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Masato Wada, Public Relations, GP Inc.
Website: http://www.gp-inc.jp/
Phone: 03-6273-9245 (Weekdays 10 AM - 5 PM)
Email: [email protected]