Why Kids In This Japanese Town Are Obsessed With Trading Cards Of Local Grandpas
April 9, 2025
In the quiet town of Kawara in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture, something truly heartwarming is bringing generations together.
Instead of collecting cards of fantasy creatures or athletes, the children of Kawara are obsessed with something entirely different: trading cards featuring real-life local seniors and middle-aged men.
Credit: FNN on YouTube (@FNNnewsCH)
While most kids in Japan are obsessed with Pokemon cards, these kids are trading beloved middle-aged and elderly men from the community. Instead of fire-breathing dragons and furry bite-size creatures, the characters are real-life retired firefighters, noodle chefs, and community volunteers. Similar to Pokemon, Ojisan (meaning middle-aged or older men) cards include "special abilities", different "attacks" and "stats".
For example, the “Electric” card called Plasma Conductor features a retired electrician known for his uncanny ability to fix any appliance without fail. And to keep things fun for the kids, each card still includes quirky battle skills and a playful damage meter—just like a real fantasy card game.
The most popular card is 68-year-old Mr. Fujii, a former prison officer turned community volunteer. His card is so beloved that kids are lining up to get his autograph.
“I was honestly shocked when they asked me to sign it,” Mr. Fujii told Tokyo Weekender with a laugh. “I never imagined I’d become a trading card, let alone have fans.”
Credit: FNN on YouTube
The heartwarming initiative is the brainchild of Eri Miyahara, Secretary General of the Saidosho Community Council. Her goal? To connect kids with the town’s older generation.
“We wanted to strengthen the connection between the children and the older generations in the community,” Miyahara explained in an interview. “There are so many amazing people here. I thought it was such a shame that no one knew about them.”
The results speak for themselves. Since the cards were introduced, children have been flocking to local events, volunteering, and getting more involved in their town—just for a chance to meet the “Ojisan” featured in the game.
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