On April 1, 2003, Fujitsu Limited, one of Japan's providers of information technology products and services, together with Internet service provider Nifty Corporation, and game software producer Photon Inc., launched "Rhythm Forest," the world's first online game that involves tree-planting. By planting trees, the game connects the virtual world with real life by supporting reforestation projects organized by Oisca-International, an international non-governmental organization.

"Rhythm Forest" is a music role-playing game available online for 300 yen (about U.S.$2.52) per month. This subscription fee includes the cost for one young tree to be planted every month for the "Children's Forest Program" organized by Oisca. The program is a series of tree planting activities around the world joined by children of over 2,600 schools from 24 countries and regions.

The game is set in the virtual world with the beautiful sea and sky. Every time a player meets the characters in the virtual world and enjoys music sessions with them, trees grow and flowers bloom. As the game progresses, the virtual world will be filled with greenery. Through the game, players will eventually support the actual tree planting program. While making the virtual world green, they are also contributing to reforestation in the real world.

Oisca has been promoting various reforestation projects, including the "Children's Forest Program," mainly in southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines and Thailand, since the late 1970s. In support of Oisca's activities, Fujitsu, Nifty and Photon are providing cooperation for this innovative game project, introducing a new way of IT-based collaboration system between IT companies and international NGOs.



Posted: 2003/06/03 08:56:37 AM
Japanese version

TAG Eco-product/Business , Ecosystem , Manufacturing industry , NGO/Citizen , Non-manufacturing industry , Other