If you have ever wanted to run a cosy game night with the warmth of a Japanese summer festival, En-nichi has just landed on Kickstarter to fill exactly that gap. It is a light, family-friendly board game for 2 to 6 players that recreates the bustle of a traditional matsuri, and this is the first time the Japanese original has been offered in English, thanks to a partnership between Kansas City publisher Mugen Gaming and Vala Foundry.
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Start organising for freeThe pitch is charming and low-stress. Over a handful of quick rounds you wander four festival stalls, the Shooting Gallery, Goldfish Scooping, Yo-Yo Balloon Catch and the Mask Vendor, each with its own little mini-game. Winning prizes lets you attract villagers to your section of the festival, and everything pays off in a closing fireworks display that decides the winner. Originally designed by Masaya Nishihara of Sora Game Studios, it leans on bright artwork and fast turns rather than brain-burning strategy, so it suits families and mixed groups.
Backers have taken to it quickly. The campaign launched in mid-July 2026 and shot past its modest £5,896 goal within its opening hours, pulling in over £23,000 from more than 260 backers, according to Geek Native. The core game runs around £22 ($29), with pledge tiers climbing to a $269 all-in bundle. The deluxe editions are where the theme really sings: a traditional furoshiki cloth doubles as a playmat, and there are character plushies for collectors. Two expansions sweeten the pot too, Pachinko Party (a tabletop pachinko machine) and Festival of Flavors (a standalone food-bartering card game).
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See how it worksThe Kickstarter runs until 13 August 2026, with delivery estimated for November. If a gentle, colourful festival game sounds like your group's speed, it is worth a look, and once your copy arrives, rally your regulars for a game night.
Sources: Geek Native | Mugen Gaming | The Toy Book
