Are pedometer-based toys the next big thing? Now that the “brain trainer” craze has died down, and all of this stationary game playing is making us fat and lazy, games are now forcing us to get off the couch and go somewhere.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Jinsei Game (otherwise known as the Game of Life), Takara Tomy is releasing a toy that mixes the exercise qualities of the Lap Around Japan toy with the tamagotchi-like interactivity of Takara Tomy’s other “jinsei series” products.
The Jinsei Game Puchi is a pedometer-based game that doesn’t let you play unless you get some exercise! With every 300 steps you take, the wheel gets a single spin to move you through the game. Get a job, make money, have kids, buy a house, and live your life…as long as you keep walking.
For those with a jogging partner, two players can play on one device, or play with the “communication mode” by using more than one.
Jinsei Game Puchi will be available at the end of July 2008.
Michael is the Editor of JapanTrends.com and Director of the 
