Overview

Jinsei Game (lit. “Life Game”) is the Japanese adaptation of The Game of Life, first released by Takara in 1968. Unlike the American version, Jinsei Game starts players in their toddler years and follows the complete Japanese life path through elementary school, junior high, high school, and then either university or a career. Players navigate life events, accumulate wealth, and strive to become millionaires. The game reflects Japanese cultural values and life milestones.

Components

• Game board (track-based path with branching routes)
• Spinner
• Car/vehicle tokens (1 per player)
• Character pegs (pink and blue, for family members)
• Money (various denominations)
• Life tiles
• Career cards
• House cards
• Insurance cards

Setup

1. Place the game board in the center.
2. Each player takes a car token and a character peg.
3. Place all cars at the Start space (toddler stage).
4. Set up the bank with money, life tiles, and other cards.
5. Spin to determine turn order.

Turn Structure

On your turn:

1. Spin the spinner.
2. Move your car forward the indicated number of spaces.
3. Follow the instructions on the space you land on.
4. Collect or pay money as instructed.
5. At branching paths, choose which direction to take.

Actions

Spinning and Moving

• Spin the spinner and move forward the indicated number.
• Follow the single track until branching decision points.

Life Events

• Spaces trigger various life events: education milestones, career changes, marriage, having children, buying a house, investments, accidents, and windfalls.
• Some events require payment; others grant money or life tiles.

Education Path

• Players progress through elementary school, junior high, and high school.
• At the end of high school, choose to attend university (longer path but potentially better career) or start working immediately.
• University leads to higher-paying career options.

Career

• Career cards determine salary and special abilities.
• Different careers have different earning potential.
• Career changes are possible at certain spaces.

Family Life

• Marriage adds a spouse peg to your car.
• Having children adds more pegs (each child may trigger bonuses or costs).
• Buying a house is a major financial decision.

Life Tiles

• Collected throughout the game; each has a hidden monetary value.
• Revealed at the end of the game and added to total wealth.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

At the end of the game (retirement), all players:

1. Reveal their life tiles and add their values to cash on hand.
2. Add all remaining money.
3. The player with the most total wealth wins.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• The Japanese educational progression (elementary > junior high > high school > university/career) differs from the American version.
• Cultural events unique to Japanese life are represented on the board.
• Some versions include additional Japanese-specific life events (coming-of-age ceremony, New Year’s traditions, etc.).
• Multiple versions have been released over the decades with updated cultural references.
• The branching paths offer meaningful strategic choices (e.g., university vs. immediate employment).

Player Reference

Life Stage	Description
Toddler	Starting phase
Elementary School	Early education
Junior High	Middle education
High School	Decision point: university or career
University	Higher education (optional)
Career	Working life and major events
Retirement	Game end, final scoring

Key Numbers	Value
Players	2-6
Win condition	Most total wealth at retirement