Game Design by Seiji Kanai; Illustrations by Keiichi Arawi
CODA has planned and developed a card game titled “HIT PLAN” as part of a project commissioned by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Through gameplay, the game enables players to enjoyably gain an understanding of both content creation and the issues surrounding its infringement. The game design for HIT PLAN was created by Seiji Kanai, an analog game designer active both in Japan and internationally. The illustrations were produced by the popular manga artist and illustrator Keiichi Arawi.
This game incorporates familiar forms of content—such as films, animation, manga, and games—along with elements related to their infringement, as an educational tool to deepen understanding of copyright infringement (piracy). It is designed so that players can experientially learn about the realities of piracy in the distribution and expansion of content, as well as the processes involved in addressing it. By enjoying the game together with others, from children to adults, players are expected to gain an opportunity to view the spread of copyrighted content and the issues surrounding its infringement as matters close to them.
In addition to Seiji Kanai and Keiichi Arawi, creators who are at the forefront of analog game production in Japan participated in the development of HIT PLAN. Game development for the production was handled by Keiji Kariya, while the graphic design of the game components was undertaken by Sai Beppu.
In recent years, as Japanese-origin content such as manga and anime has gained increasing global popularity, damage caused by piracy on the internet has been escalating on a worldwide scale. Against this backdrop, it has become increasingly important—particularly for younger generations—to promote understanding of the importance of legitimate content distribution and the societal impact of copyright infringement.
In HIT PLAN, players can learn about the significance of multi-media content expansion—including film, publishing, games, and merchandise—as well as anti-piracy measures, while thinking strategically throughout the game. The game is produced in both Japanese and English, and is therefore expected to be used in various contexts around the world. Instructional videos explaining how to play (Japanese and English versions) are available on CODA’s official YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAUd8-BxsNuGqI6E6-dZnBUCybqbwA1Jo
Looking ahead, CODA is considering distributing HIT PLAN to children’s facilities and similar institutions. In addition, the Agency for Cultural Affairs plans to publish Print-and-Play PDF data on its website, allowing individuals to print and cut out the materials themselves to enjoy the game.
Information Portal on Countermeasures Against Copyright Infringement by Online Piracy | Agency for Cultural Affairs
https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/chosakuken/kaizoku/index.html
Furthermore, at Game Market 2026 Spring, to be held at Makuhari Messe on May 23–24, 2026, CODA and the Agency for Cultural Affairs will jointly exhibit a booth and sell a limited run of 1,500 copies (2,000 yen, tax included). The game is not planned to be sold online or through retail stores.
In the field of content creation, creators and related professionals devote significant time, cost, and passion to producing their works. At the same time, damage caused by piracy has a serious negative impact on the sustainability of such creative activities and on the development of the content industry. Through awareness-raising activities utilizing this card game, CODA will continue working to help more people recognize copyright infringement issues as something closer to them and to promote broader awareness of copyright protection throughout society.
This activity was carried out as part of a project commissioned by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan.
Card Game “HIT PLAN” Overview
● Game Title: HIT PLAN
● Recommended Age: 10 and up
● Number of Players: 2–5 players
● Playing Time: Approximately 20 minutes
● Game Description:
Create content using popular IPs and collect points! But watch out—pirates are targeting your creations. Will you focus on project development or anti-piracy measures? Every move you make can change the future. A thrilling psychological card game.
Production
● Game Designer: Seiji Kanai
● Illustrators: Keiichi Arawi
● Component Designer: Sai Beppu
● Game Developer: Keiji Kariya (Harvest Valley LLC)
● Supervisor: Tetsuo Maeda (Somei, Maeda & Nakagawa Law Office)
● Produced by: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, / Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA)）
Special Thanks – Test Play Partner Schools
● St.Margaret’s Elementary School
● Kaetsu Ariake Junior & Senior High School (Junior High Division)
● Johoku Saitama Junior & Senior High School (Senior High Division)
● Oita Prefectural College of Arts and Culture
(Translated using an automatic translation system.)
About CODA
CODA (Content Overseas Distribution Association) was established in 2002 at the call of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Agency for Cultural Affairs to promote the overseas development of Japanese content and take anti-piracy measures. Japan’s proud content, including music, movies, anime, broadcast programs, video games, and publishing, plays an important role in enhancing the nation’s international presence and economic growth. As digital technology becomes more widespread, it is even more significant to protect Japan’s content from increasingly artful copyright infringement and promote the content industry’s development. CODA contributes to the deterrence and detection of online and other piracy, by sharing knowledge with relevant government agencies, organizations, and companies in Japan and abroad, to engage in direct and indirect anti-piracy measures, as well as public relations activities. Visit https://coda-cj.jp/en/activity/ for more information on CODA’s projects.