Itabashi's Unique SDGs Board Game Wins Kids Design Award

In an exciting development, the original SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) board game called "Itabashi Sanpo" has been awarded the prestigious 19th Kids Design Award in the category dedicated to unlocking children's creativity and future potential. This recognition not only highlights the innovative aspects of the game but also underscores its educational value in instilling awareness of sustainable practices among children.

Overview of Itabashi Sanpo

The SDGs-themed game "Itabashi Sanpo" invites players to roll dice and navigate through a colorful board representing notable landmarks and features of the Itabashi district. Each space on the board is not just a step in the game; it serves as a platform to learn about the district's commitment to various SDGs initiatives. As players land on different spaces, they are prompted to complete specific actions, such as finding SDGs elements present in their classrooms. Cooperative challenges encourage teams to work together, fostering deeper connections with the community and a more profound understanding of sustainable development.

Impact on Local Schools

Since its launch, "Itabashi Sanpo" has been widely adopted in all 36 local elementary, middle, and special needs schools in Itabashi as an introductory educational tool for SDGs concepts. The local government is keen to spread the game’s influence further, participating in community events and distributing informative leaflets about the game and its educational benefits. This outreach not only promotes the game but also amplifies the importance of understanding and applying SDGs in daily life.

About the Kids Design Award

The Kids Design Award, established in 2007, promotes products, services, environments, and other initiatives that ensure safety and foster the creativity of children. Organized by the non-profit Kids Design Association, with support from various government agencies including the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, this award seeks to recognize exceptional designs that contribute to a safer and more nurturing environment for children. Categories of awards focus on safety, creativity, and supportive designs for child-rearing.

Collaboration Behind Itabashi Sanpo

The recent recognition of "Itabashi Sanpo" was made possible through a collaborative effort involving the Itabashi ward, the design firms Ishizuka Planning & Design and Company 10, along with Dr. Takagi Cho, an associate professor at Kitakyushu University. Together, they have crafted a game that is not only educational but encourages active participation. By incorporating engaging elements into the gameplay, they have made complex SDGs concepts accessible and enjoyable for players.

The game structure resembles that of traditional board games but goes beyond by allowing players to choose their paths, promoting flexibility and freedom in understanding sustainable development. By eliminating predefined start and finish points, players are encouraged to explore various routes and learn organically about the principles of SDGs.

Itabashi's Commitment to Creativity

Itabashi Ward is not just focusing on a board game; it is also establishing itself as a hub for creativity through unique associations with the art world, such as its ties with Bologna, Italy, known for its rich history in children's literature. The central library, known as the Itabashi Bologna Picture Book Museum, boasts a vast collection of international picture books, aligning with Itabashi's ambition to promote itself as the "Picture Book Town, Itabashi." This branding initiative showcases the area's commitment to fostering an environment where creativity and education thrive.

In conclusion, the recognition of "Itabashi Sanpo" in the Kids Design Awards is more than an accolade; it's a beacon of hope, encouraging future generations to engage with and understand the world of sustainable development through playful and innovative learning experiences.