Unlike other extracurricular activities, board games don't require referees. Students can play on their own and they contribute to the development of thinking skills.

“…….board games don't require referees.”

Obviously never seen my family play Monopoly or Cluedo.

Board games at schools in Japan are surging in popularity as an extracurricular activity.

I think this is wonderful. I'm a proud Board Game Geek with over 100 games at home and can be pretty Evangelical about them. We have family game night at home every Saturday and there is nothing better - spending time together, talking and, depending on the game, competing or cooperating. I've tried to get a club going at my university but so far no takers. Kids seem to have the gaming skills from computer games, but not the social skills required for board games. I also wish there were more of a selection in Japanese stores. There is more to life than Catan, Life and Clue.

Most extracurricular activities don't require referees. We played football every break and lunch time all the way through school. We never needed a referee. Kids are good at organising themselves.