Musashifutyukyoudokaruta card games have been distributed to third graders at elementary schools in the city since they first came out in 1973, but are now no longer in use. In this context, the think tank behind this project aims to use“Kyoudokaruta” (card games based on local areas) to promote interest in Fuchu’s history, culture, and nature among parents and children, and to create lasting happy memories for children who will go on to become the movers and shakers of Fuchu City in the future.
In addition, the group aims to educate local people about their city and foster affection in them for their hometown as a way of encouraging them to continue protecting community projects/activities and assets for future generations.
Aimed at third graders from 22 elementary schools in Fuchu City, the individual tournament-style rounds, held in cooperation with after-school children’s activity organizers, will see the selection of two students – one boy and one girl – from each school prior to the final round.
Preliminary rounds for children taking part on the day will be held on the morning of the finals. The final round will comprise separate individual tournaments for boys and girls in lower and upper grades of elementary school. Organizers believe that holding karuta tournaments – something children are familiar and comfortable with – increases children’s motivation to learn by setting them the goal of wanting to do well; and by continuing to hold this tournament, organizers believe that the number of children who develop affection for their hometown will continue to increase.