Monopoly Goes To Akita

[Mulboyne]

[floatr][/floatr]Asahi: How Akita got its own Monopoly game
It started in Atlantic City, took in London and New York--so why not Akita? Faced with the challenge of how best to show appreciation for their prefecture, two men came up with a unique tribute: a customized Akita version of Monopoly. This will be the first time that the game has been made based on a Japanese prefecture. "Ugopoly," as the Akita version will be called--a reference to the prefecture's old name of Ugo--is such a success that it has been chosen as the version that will be used at the Japan Monopoly championship this November...more...

Go directly to jail. Do not play Go.

[Mulboyne]

There's still time to try and take part in the All-Japan Monopoly Championships to be held in November. The prequalifying rounds for Osaka, Tohoku, Kanto and Kyushu have already been held but there are still rounds to be held in Nagoya, Fukui and Sapporo and a special "Last Chance" event just before the main tournament itself in Tokyo.

[American Oyaji]

I would REALLY Like to buy that Japanese version. Where is it sold in Japan? Maybe I could buy it when I'm in Japan this winter.

[sublight]

I'd love to find a Tokyo version, since I live in the neighborhood that was picked as the local equivalent of Baltic Ave.

[Mulboyne]

The Akita version of monopoly will feature in a design exhibition at Matsuya Department Store in Ginza. Meanwhile, the Japan Monopoly Association is holding the regional qualifiers in preparation for the annual national championship to be held in Nakano in November.

[kamome]

I'd love to find a Tokyo version, since I live in the neighborhood that was picked as the local equivalent of Baltic Ave.

Baltic Ave may be cheap, but it has great location - put up some hotels on it and you wind up taxing just about anyone who passes Go.

[American Oyaji]

Damn! I forgot about this when I was up North.

I'll have to snag it in December

[pheyton]

Very cool. The Mrs. is Akitan. Is it based on Akita city or the whole prefecture? She is from Kazuno. Any references?

[Mulboyne]

The Asahi reports that a new Osaka version of Monopoly has been released. The picture above is about as the best view of the board on the net right now.

[Mulboyne]

Yokohama version:



(Click to enlarge)

[prolly]

from a design perspective, i dislike the mixing of photos and illustration. ugh.