A Night of Enjoying the Final 'Bodo-Talk' Board Game Industry Networking Event of the Year to the Fullest
I have introduced the board game industry networking event 'Bodo-Talk' several times on my note. With the final meeting of the year on December 4th, the monthly event format will come to a pause, and it will go on a temporary hiatus. While offering my deepest gratitude to this event that has brought me so many encounters, I will introduce the contents of this event and the people I met this time as well.
What is 'Bodo-Talk'?
For those who are learning about 'Bodo-Talk' for the first time in this article, I will briefly explain the purpose of the event.
'Bodo-Talk' is a networking chat gathering for the industry where people in various positions related to the general analog game industry, including board games (e.g., manufacturers, shops, board game cafes, illustrators, designers, etc.), gather to chat and build new connections or deepen existing bonds.
Since the first meeting was held on May 10th, a total of 10 meetings were held in 2024: 8 in Tokyo, 1 in Osaka, and 1 in Sapporo. At first, it was just about talking to as many people as possible, but as the meetings continued, it powered up by inviting guests, collaborating with other organizations (Tokikiru, Anaguma, etc.), and devising new ways to interact (Mancala-style networking).
1st 2nd 3rd Test Play Session 4th Halloween Party Tokikiru Collaboration
Who is the organizer, Yui Yui?
The person organizing this wonderful gathering is Yui Yui. In addition to the board game industry, she is active in a wide range of fields, including singing (Yuzu no Tempura), creative work, nail artistry, and event staffing.
(Photographed on the day)
Her board game-related activities include organizing 'Bodo-Talk', participating in the game introduction YouTube channel 'Shupip!' (Yui Yui, Arare, Kawa-Runrun) [titles omitted], as well as the public recording of 'Karin Ito's Analog Game Club' at the recent Game Market 2024 Autumn, and serving as MC for the upcoming game production live event 'Bodo-ge no Tetsujin' (mentioned later) on December 15th. She is appearing all over the industry. She is way too busy!
This time, we enjoyed a relaxed talk with just under 30 people
'Bodo-Talk' has had over 100 people at its peak, but with just under 30 participants this time, I feel like I was able to have a relaxed conversation with everyone I met.
It's a secret that I ate most of the Alfort chocolates lol
Of course, as an organizer, having more people is probably preferable in many ways, but based on my impressions from participating so far, when there are 100 people, the feeling of 'I have to connect with many people!' takes precedence, and I tend to get distracted from the conversation with the person right in front of me... (Is it just me?)
In that sense, I was able to engage deeply with people I hadn't been able to talk to much before, so it was highly satisfying for me.
I think it would be nice to have this many people every time, but since the next event will be held after a break, I have a feeling that the prosperity of the first and second meetings will return.
Let's play together! Bodo-vent Calendar (Day 4)
At this 'Bodo-Talk', a project for everyone to play together was set up. The game we played this time was the 'Bodo-vent Calendar,' which our organizer Yui Yui came up with, wanting to do something like a board game version of an advent calendar, and created mainly with game creators who have ties to 'Bodo-Talk'.
The idea was for everyone to try the 4th day (December 4th) portion of the package, which is packed with some kind of game for each day from December 1st to 24th!
On the right is IKE, the creator of Day 4.
The fun thing about this 'Bodo-vent Calendar' is that you never know what will come out each day. I wonder what will appear on the 4th day? I'm so excited...
Huh? What is this?
Is this a game?
It kind of looks like a puzzle, but then again, maybe not...
There's an explanation on the back...
'Mokusoku Kiridaruma' (Game Design by IKE)
It seems the point of this game is to 'cut by hand' the paper itself to create a nice-looking snowman.
In short, it's like this!!
Where you cut is up to your own sensibility.
Doesn't this make you want to try it too, dear reader?
Done!!
A Kiridaruma made by chitoseArk. The bandage on the forehead is so me lol
(Because I often get hurt on my face when I'm drunk...)
I properly adjusted the size by eye to match the hat!!
4日目
— IKE (@tenken1031) December 4, 2024
みんなのキリダルマをみるのはとても楽しい
工夫がすごくて想定以上に楽しかったです。
みんな愛着持ってもらって嬉しい
最後まで相棒としてクリスマスまでお供させてあげてください#ボドベントカレンダー pic.twitter.com/WbQMz2RGjT
This is the Kiridaruma made by the creator, IKE.
That day, everyone was showing off their Kiridaruma and having a blast.
Thank you for the wonderful gift, IKE!!
Oh!! Majin-san (RayArc Inc., New Business Unit) is getting Yui Yui's autograph on the Bodo-vent Calendar package!! I'm so jealous!!
(I didn't bring my package...)
When I said that, Yui Yui said, 'If you buy a package now, I'll sign it for you!' She's such a good salesperson!! (lol)
Making it together!? A Bodo-vent Calendar just for Yui Yui
Whether Yui Yui was pleased with the success of this Bodo-vent Calendar project, or if she had planned it from the start, I'm not sure, but she started saying things like, 'I want you all to make a Bodo-vent Calendar for me!!'
(Of course, participation is optional lol)
And so, postcard-sized paper was suddenly provided!!
And envelopes with dates up to the 24th written on them!!
Stickers to put on the back of the envelopes!!
(This person is way too well-prepared!!)
And so, the venue suddenly became chaotic, and everyone headed to their tables and started intently making something—whether it was a game or not. Some people were finishing up creations that made me go, 'Wow, what is this, it's amazing!!', and it really made me realize once again that this is what board game creators are like.
I also wrote something and put it in, so I'll seal it.
(I don't know what will happen after this, and I don't care!)
Everyone signed the special Bodo-Advent Calendar box for Yui Yui.
Since I'm a low-profile character, I signed the edge of the box.
Envelopes were being steadily delivered by the participants.
It's all in good fun that some people had odd numbers or duplicates (lol).
A list of links to the companies, organizations, and individuals I met
I will once again be doing my "List of People I Met" feature, which is a staple of my "Bodo-Talk" articles. As always, I will follow the guidelines below to ensure there are no slights or trouble.
<Publication Guidelines>
・In principle, I will list the organization name (with exceptions). If the organization name is unclear, I may list the name as written on a business card or similar.
・As a rule, I refrain from listing those who have been featured before, but if new information is obtained or if I have taken new photos, I may feature them again.
・The link destination will, in principle, be the official website. If the official website is unknown, I will search for and link to various introduction pages, notes, or social media accounts.
・Regarding the introduction text, I will use or refer to the wording written on the linked site or business card as much as possible.
・The order of listing is in Japanese alphabetical order (Aiueo), excluding prefixes like Co., Ltd., Inc., etc. (For English names, I will judge based on their colloquial pronunciation). Note that if both a Japanese name and an English name exist, I will generally list the Japanese name.
・After publication, I will do my best to accommodate requests for wording corrections, revisions, or removal from the list.
Please refer to the following for links introduced in the past.
1st 2nd 3rd 4th Halloween Tokikill Collab
A-row
Asahi Neko
Manga artist. Draws romantic comedy and romance manga. In the board game field, she has worked on illustrations for"The World of Truly Interesting Board Games" (Ohta Publishing) and designed a hidden identity board game called"Princess and Werewolf" (Saikoro Shuppan).
By the way, the "TV Anime Adaptation" on the left was an April Fool's joke (I was fooled!).
itten LLC
A manufacturer that has released games like "TOKYO HIGHWAY" and "Yotsukado Tantei." They display the motto: "Through games that compete for a single point, we provide fun experiences that can turn the situation around." IKE, the creator of the 4th day of this "Bodo-Advent Calendar," is a member of this company.
Sa-row
Saito
A pioneer in board game sales. He was hired as the first sales representative at a certain famous board game manufacturer/distributor and built the foundation for distributing the culture of board games to mass retailers nationwide.
shared many interesting stories about how he managed to get board games into distribution!!
Ta-row
|Tengan-an|
A cafe in Oimachi, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, where you can play board games from all over the world. The collection includes everything from party games to heavy strategy games. In-store events also include Magic: The Gathering. It is the only WotC-authorized store in Shinagawa Ward.
Ha-row
Hitojarashi
Another game production group where IKE, the author of the 4th day of the Bodo-Advent Calendar, participates as a game designer. Titles released include "Quipu," "3-Second Try!," "Pair-to-Nya," and "Group Interview."
This is called "Genius Thumb Wrestling," and
it is apparently a form of thumb wrestling played using only the ring fingers.
Ya-row
Yontosei
A board game production circle where four creators have gathered. mor!, whom I spoke with this time, is also one of the Bodo-Advent Calendar authors. They usually create works individually, but they mentioned they are considering a collaboration in the future.
Since the two of them happened to be nearby,
I took the opportunity to ask for a photo.
Ra-row
RayArc Co., Ltd. - New Business Unit, W2 Nanikason Project
A new business team at a system development company that develops and sells board games. I heard passionate stories about "Bodo-ge no Tetsujin" from Majin-san here, and learned about future business developments from Pump-san.
Although I am not involved in the board game industry,
I really hope that comes to fruition (just between us).
Wa-row
Warabisako
Released the board game "BunguSquad." Mr. Warabisako is the organizer of the board game production live event "Bodo-ge no Tetsujin," which will be introduced next.
[Promotion] Regarding the "2nd Bodo-ge no Tetsujin"
"Bodo-ge no Tetsujin" is a live event where pre-selected or invited board game designers create original board games on the spot using provided materials, based on a theme announced that day.
▲ This is a documentary video recording the previous event (held on June 9, 2024).
The previous event was a team competition, but the 2nd event, which will be held on December 15, is different in that it is an individual competition.
A feature of the event is that the audience can freely move between tables to watch the designers at work up close.
"I want to make a board game someday too!"
"I want to see how other designers make theirs as a reference!"
Wouldn't this be the perfect event for people like that?
The MC will be Yui Yui, just like at "Bodo-Talk".
(For those who want to see Yui Yui in person, you definitely should come!!)
Also, the venue is the same as "Bodo-Talk", SPRING TERRACE in Omotesando.
The "2nd Board Game Iron Man" will be held on Sunday, December 15th.
We are currently looking for audience members, so if you are interested, please click the link below.
A word of thanks to Yui Yui on the occasion of the conclusion of "Bodo-Talk"
On this day, because Yui Yui said, "I want a board game advent calendar for myself!", everyone started focusing on making one halfway through. Moreover, since it would be pointless if she saw it herself, poor Yui Yui was told "Don't look over here yet!" at every table she went to and was chased away, becoming a wandering Yui Yui (lol).
I'm sure that's why she came over to where I was.
For the first time, I talked to Yui Yui about various things about myself.
The reason why I started going out to play board games.
How a certain past event made board game cafes a trauma for me.
How that trauma disappeared through the encounters at this Bodo-Talk.
The fact that I am actually in my ■0s (I wouldn't say this unless I trusted someone a lot).
And, for the first time, I was able to tell Yui Yui about this.
Thanks to participating in Bodo-Talk, my game-related connections have expanded all at once, and to put it dramatically, my life might have changed.
I respect Yui Yui's way of life of doing things immediately when she thinks of them!
See you again somewhere next year.
chitoseArk
Without a lie, I respect Yui Yui's way of life.
That goes for "Bodo-Talk", and it was the same for the "Board Game Advent Calendar" the other day.
Think of it, do it immediately.
Move immediately.
And produce results.
Such actions are often held up as an ideal in business books and the like, but how many people are actually able to execute them?
Yui Yui is a crazy person when you look at her from the outside.
She must be so busy that you don't know how many bodies she has at this point, so why did she think of that now?
And why is she already starting to take action the next moment?
Wow! Because of this and that, she ended up making it a reality!!
I'm sure the people around such a person must have endless worries, but I think the reason everyone cooperates with her despite everything is because they know her dedicated passion, that she is a mass of tremendous energy that doesn't stop once she makes up her mind, and that she is someone who absolutely produces results.
You might think it's presumptuous for someone who has only known you for a little over half a year to say this, but please let me say just this one thing.
Yui Yui, if you hadn't been the organizer, I would never have stuck with 'Bodo-Talk' for this long.
To begin with, I'm not an industry insider or anything of the sort, so even if I were to quickly expand my network in the board game industry, I wouldn't be able to do much with it right away (though I do hope to make use of it in my own life in some way eventually).
Even so, the reason I participated in 'Bodo-Talk' every time (limited to the Kanto area) was partly because these gatherings were fun, but I think it was also largely because I wanted to witness how you live your life, Yui Yui.
(I realize this might sound like stalking and might not be pleasant to hear.)
I'm not good with words, so I don't think I was able to convey this at the venue.
I'm glad I was finally able to say it to you in person.
I respect the way you live your life, Yui Yui.
I respect it, but if you were to ask me if I could emulate that way of life myself, I would have to say that it is something very, very difficult to do.
However, I think it's a feeling of admiration, the kind where if I ever feel like I'm stagnating in something, I'll tell myself to 'Remember Yui Yui!' as a way to keep myself in check.
This has become long.
Yui Yui, if it's not a bother, I look forward to seeing you again sometime next year or beyond at 'Bodo-Talk' or something similar.
May this connection formed through board games grow into an even larger circle and continue to bear fruit in some way.
(End)