#Japan #Tokyo #LODU #Carbon Budget Game #Kanazawa Institute

Introduction

On June 5, 2026, a groundbreaking event took place at the Toranomon Campus of Kanazawa Institute of Technology in Tokyo, where LODU Co., Ltd., a company based in Nonoichi, Ishikawa, launched Japan's first cooperative board game focused on carbon budgeting. This game seeks to raise awareness about effective decarbonization actions through engaging gameplay.

Understanding Carbon Budget

Carbon budgeting refers to the total allowable amount of carbon dioxide emissions that humanity can produce to limit the average global temperature rise to a specific target (like 1.5°C or 2°C). Current projections indicate that if we continue at our present rate of carbon emissions, we could exhaust our carbon budget in the near future, leading to dire climate impacts.

The Launch Event

The unveiling event attracted 16 participants, primarily supporters from a crowdfunding campaign, who were divided into teams to experience the game. During the event, attendees deepened their understanding of the concept of carbon budgets and explored effective decarbonization actions tailored to regional characteristics.

Future Plans

Moving forward, LODU will collaborate with the Japan Global Warming Prevention Network and Kanazawa Institute of Technology to provide the game free of charge to local centers dedicated to warming prevention. The aim is to train facilitators who can introduce the game in various educational and community settings across Japan.

Background of Development

While the importance of tackling climate change is widely recognized, there remains a significant gap in understanding what individuals can do or which actions are most effective. In response to this challenge, LODU, in collaboration with the National Institute for Environmental Studies and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), developed this scientifically-backed gamification tool over approximately two years based on the "Carbon Footprint and Reduction Effect Data Book for Decarbonized Lifestyles in 52 Cities in Japan." In the game, players assume the roles of local leaders and work together to promote decarbonization actions based on their locations. Cards with significant carbon reduction effects in the game correspond to real-world impactful actions, allowing players to acquire practical knowledge while playing.

Game Overview

Game Name

Carbon Budget Game

Number of Players

3-4 players

Playtime

Approximately 25 minutes (comprising 3 rounds of 5 min each plus evaluation)

Recommended Age

10 years and older

Learnings from the Game

1. Understanding the concept of carbon budgeting
2. Differentiating the carbon reduction effects of various actions
3. Recognizing how regional differences affect greenhouse gas reduction impacts

Event Details

Date and Time

June 5, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Venue

Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Toranomon Campus (1-3-4 Atago, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

Participants

16 supporters from the crowdfunding campaign

Organizers

• - LODU Co., Ltd. (Main Organizer)
• - Kanazawa Institute of Technology (Co-organizer)

Event Schedule

• - 1:00 PM - Opening remarks and explanation of purpose
• - 1:10 PM - Game experience session
• - 2:30 PM - Break
• - 2:40 PM - Workshops and group discussions
• - 3:00 PM - Comments from corporate sponsors and co-developers
• - 3:20 PM - Sharing future plans and group photographs

Collaborative Comments

Comments from Corporate Sponsors and Co-developers

• - Updater Inc. (Diamond Sponsor): "To bring about societal change, fun and interest are essential. This game encompasses both and enables learning about concrete actions in an enjoyable way."
• - Asahi Kasei Homes Corporation (Original Card Sponsor): "We were encouraged to hear participants saying they want to switch to Hebel Homes after playing the game. We see this as an opportunity to evoke discussions about changing homes among families."
• - Japan Global Warming Prevention Network (Co-developer): "The game is highly immersive, and the flow of the story is well-constructed. It effectively connects recreational activities to personal lifestyle reflections, which is commendable."

Future Developments

This launch marks the beginning of our nationwide expansion efforts. LODU, the Japan Global Warming Prevention Network, and Kanazawa Institute of Technology will work together in three phases:

Phase 1: June - July 2026

Distributing products and hosting pre-activities to spread awareness about the game.

Phase 2: August 2026

Conducting the first facilitator training to deepen understanding of the carbon budget through hands-on engagement.

Phase 3: September 2026 and Beyond

Initiating widespread distribution of the game across educational institutions and community settings, including free distribution of the game to local warming prevention centers.

Collaborative Developer and Corporate Sponsor Profiles

Collaborating Developers

1. Japan Global Warming Prevention Network: An organization supporting local warming prevention centers across Japan.
2. Kanazawa Institute of Technology: Focuses on project-based education aimed at solving real-world challenges through sustainability initiatives.

Corporate Sponsors

1. Updater Inc.: A company resolving social issues through innovative energy solutions.
2. Asahi Kasei Homes Corporation: A leader in urban housing with a focus on sustainability and long-lasting homes.