Hidden Wonders | 'Game of Life' Play Area Opens Outside Aoto Station

Outside Aoto Station in Tokyo’s Katsushika Ward, there’s a playful area designed to resemble a giant version of the board game The Game of Life. The ground is patterned like the game board, and the bench is shaped like the game’s iconic roulette wheel.

A bench modeled after the iconic roulette wheel from “The Game of Life.”

This creative space is the result of a collaboration between toy maker TOMY, which has ties to the local area, and Keisei Electric Railway. It builds on a project from two years ago, when the station’s name sign was redesigned with the game’s theme.

The station sign at Aoto.

Joy Across Generations

Originally developed in the United States, The Game of Life has been adapted in Japan to reflect local culture and social trends. Since its Japanese debut in 1968, the game and its various editions have sold over 15 million units nationwide.

Game board squares painted on the ground.

As children run excitedly across the life-sized game board, local resident Ryo Saito smiles and says, “My son loves this place, and for me, it brings back memories.” A timeless favorite, the game continues to bring joy across generations.

The station square bustling with families.

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Katsuyuki Seki, The Sankei Shimbun