Colo Variation Launches “Kosodate Monster,” a Card Tool for Discussing and Sharing Parenting Values

Colo Variation Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Kita-ku, Osaka; Representative: Yusuke Okamoto) has launched “Kosodate Monster,” a card-based tool that helps users verbalize, organize, and share their values around parenting through dialogue. As dual-income households increase and men’s participation in childcare expands, more families are facing uncertainty and differences in how they think about parenting. The tool was developed to help people clarify their own parenting values and deepen mutual understanding through conversation in today’s parenting environment. In an age overflowing with information, many parents find it difficult to maintain their own guiding principles. Parenting is shifting from something handled by one person to something shared, but exposure to diverse information from social media and experts has also made it harder for many to know which ideas to follow. Because parenting values are strongly shaped by personal experience and upbringing, gaps in perception between partners can also become a source of stress. “Kosodate Monster” is a card game that visualizes and verbalizes values and hopes related to parenting and education by expressing them as “monster” characters. Players answer questions presented in a sugoroku-style board-game format while reflecting on their own experiences and feelings. Based on those answers, other participants present monster cards representing the values they think are closest. In the end, each player selects and shares the “Kosodate Monster” that symbolizes their own inner values. The tool is designed not only for families but also for educational institutions, PTAs, local governments, and corporate training. Rather than being merely a card game, it is positioned as a practical dialogue tool that consistently supports the process from verbalizing values to conversation and everyday application. It includes a workbook called “Kosomon Note,” designed to connect insights gained through the card game to daily actions. The notebook is based on psychological knowledge and was developed under the supervision of Professor Yasuhiro Kozaki of Osaka Kyoiku University, a specialist in supporting fathers’ participation in childcare. Alongside the launch, the company has also released a free online diagnostic tool that allows users to understand their parenting tendencies by answering eight questions. The diagnosis can serve as an entry point for understanding the four value types featured in “Kosodate Monster,” and can also be used by partners after workshops to share results and deepen dialogue. Before launch, 98% of trial users said they gained “new insights” (n=69, company survey). The tool can be used in a wide range of settings, including sharing parenting values between couples and expectant parents, improving mutual understanding among teachers, childcare support workshops run by local governments, and communication support around childcare leave in companies. Users commented that they were able to put their thoughts into words and notice differences and common ground, and that the game format made it natural to discuss topics they usually do not talk about. The product was inspired by Representative Yusuke Okamoto’s own parenting and educational experiences. While supporting parents and children as a nursery school principal, he became aware of the challenges of things not going as expected in parenting and the instability of one’s values. He also recognized the importance of facing the fundamental question: “How do I want my child to grow?” Going forward, the company plans to expand workshops and strengthen partnerships with local governments and educational institutions. It will also offer free trial sessions for up to 10 companies or organizations considering adoption, including educational institutions, PTAs, local governments, and corporate training programs. The product is priced at 4,400 yen including tax for the card set plus notebook, and 3,980 yen including tax for the card set only.