A Memo from a Board Game-Loving Mom Who Attended Game Market for the First Time

Hello, I'm Funo.
I'm a board game-loving mom living in the countryside.

This time, I attended "Game Market 2025 Spring," one of the largest analog game events in the country, for the first time.

This article is a personal memo documenting the memories of my first time attending.

My first solo trip to the Kanto region in 10 years

I made the decision after consulting with my family, friends, and fellow gamers. With my family's permission, I went on a day trip.

I'm glad I went. Each and every event that happened on-site was significant and made for a memorable time.

Looking back at my Game Market chronologically

6:30 Departed home
7:00 Boarded the Shinkansen
9:30 Arrived in Tokyo
10:30 Arrived in Makuhari, explored and had lunch
12:00 Queued at the Makuhari Messe entrance
12:20 Entered the venue

12:30 Met up with someone I had wanted to meet for a long time; it was our first time meeting in person. We talked about the games we both love, and the conversation flowed easily.

12:40 Started exploring!
Greeted the people at booths I had wanted to visit, met them for the first time, and purchased their works.
I went to pick up reserved items and bought games I was curious about. Even though I got lost, the encounters with people and games were fun from start to finish.

14:00 Met a creator I love for the first time (they were attending as a participant, not an exhibitor this time), and I cried tears of joy. I am grateful for the connection that allowed us to meet because of their active work.

Since I was there, I joined two others—including someone nearby who does wonderful organizing work—to play "Up Down 30" at a demo table. Their instruction and facilitation were excellent, and I learned a lot! I'm so happy we could spend time together like this! It was such a fun moment.

14:20 Headed to the next meeting spot. Met two energetic people I had wanted to meet for the first time. We played "Acchi Kocchi Coaster" and "Taboo Talk." Having such a casual and fun time off-line was pure bliss.

After continuing to explore, I met someone else I had wanted to meet for the first time. They had participated virtually in a parent-child game event I organized last year, and I was able to hand them their participation gift in person. I was so happy to be able to thank them directly!! We wished each other a safe trip home and parted ways.

After that, I met other people I had wanted to meet for the first time. I was touched by their thoughtfulness. They also connected me to a later gathering, where I was able to meet everyone. The love for board games that everyone shared was palpable, and I felt warmed by the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

By this point, I was physically exhausted, so I said my goodbyes and headed home. I think it was around 16:30.

🚄🚄🚄

I bought a station bento and souvenirs, and on the Shinkansen, I spent the trip home looking at the games I bought and the gifts I received from the people I met. I arrived home around 22:30.

An attractive place where board game lovers gather

I was energized by experiencing the creativity of the people and their works, and by everyone I met and everyone working hard at the venue. It might be difficult for me to visit often, but it was an unforgettable time where I could meet board game lovers I don't usually get to see. I want to continue enjoying this while encountering various ways of thinking and different games. Thank you for creating such a fun space.