'Ojisan Trading Cards,' a trading card featuring middle-aged men circulating in Kahara, Fukuoka Prefecture, are becoming a hot topic overseas
The initiative of the town of Kawaramachi in Fukuoka Prefecture to turn the men living in the town into trading cards has become a hot topic overseas. Message boards have been filled with comments such as 'A wonderful initiative' and 'A heartwarming story.'
Middle-Aged Man Trading Cards Go Viral in Rural Japan Town
The 'Uncle Trading Cards' were created by Eri Miyahara, Secretary General of the Saidosho Community Council in Kahara Town. She said that the aim of the project was to introduce men who are engaged in volunteer activities, and to 'build relationships between children and the local uncles.'
As of March 18, 2025, there are 47 types of cards, 28 of which depict local men. In addition to stats such as HP and MP, the cards also include flavor text about the men's characteristics, such as 'the representative director who makes bamboo shoots from young bamboo' and 'a reliable firefighter who can handle anything with a serious look on his face.'
By Mayuko Ichii
It also became a hot topic in Japan when it was featured on the news program 'Live News It!'
According to reports, Honda, a former fire brigade chief who protects the safety of the local community, will be on the 'Firewall' card, while Fujii, who volunteers to help in all sorts of situations, will be on the 'All-Rounder' card, making the most of each of their unique characteristics. Fujii said, 'I was surprised when I first saw it (on a card).'
FNN Prime Online
When Tokyo Weekender, a magazine that delivers Japanese topics to overseas, introduced this information, it became a trend on the social site Hacker News . Comments such as 'It was unexpectedly heartwarming. There are many things I would like to comment on, such as increasing intergenerational exchange and strengthening the community, but what I like is that these effects work together to lead to even greater benefits for the community ,' and 'It reminded me of the cards that Harry and Ron found in the chocolate frog package. Each card had a picture of a famous wizard, some of them historical figures, and some of them living people like Albus Dumbledore. In this way, children can actually meet the heroes drawn on the cards.'
According to FNN Prime Online, the number of children participating in local activities has doubled because they get to see their uncle.
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