The Game of Life, one of the oldest board games still around today enjoys continued success around the world. Japan in particular has embraced the line of wheel spinning games, where it’s known by the direct translation Jinsei Gemu.

As 2013 marks the 45th anniversary of the Game of Life in Japan, one island has decided to celebrate by turning the entire place into one big Game of Life board complete with spinners and play money.

The life-sized Game of Life will be held from 20 July to 16 September on Yoron Island located just North of Okinawa. The impetus for this plan was the fact that the island is shaped like that hilly part of the game board where the spinner sits.

Throughout these summer months, players will be given a map showing the game squares and an allotment of fake money like that used in the game. The players will then spin one of four wheels located around the island and proceed to that spot. At the end of the game, any play money left over can be converted into gift certificates.

It only costs 500 yen (US$5) to take part in the event. Further details are yet to be released but will be updated on the game’s webpage as they are finalized, which we’ll be sure to bring you.

In addition to celebrating an anniversary of the popular game, the organizers of this event are hoping to drum up tourism and give the local economy a shot in the arm. By getting out-of-towners to come and mingle with the residents, Yoron Island is hoping to lure some repeat visitors.

With innovative ideas like that, let’s hope the good people of Yoron get some business. I thought I would try and revitalize my neighborhood by turning it into one life-sized Pictionary game.

Source: Takara Tomy, Yoron Island Info via IT Media (Japanese)

Game Image: Amazon

Island Image: Google Maps