Shochiku Broadcasting Co., Ltd. Announces Official Launch of 'Puyo Puyo Trainer' — A Brain-Training e-Sports Game for Elderly Care Facilities — on October 1, 2026, with Briefings and Pre-Registrations Now Open

Shochiku Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Hiroshi Ida; hereinafter 'Shochiku Broadcasting') announces that the production committee formed in February 2026 by Shochiku Broadcasting, Entacare Lab Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo; CEO: Kei Takamaru), Elecom Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Osaka; President & CEO: Koichi Ishimi), and GLOE Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representatives: Yuya Yada, Akihito Furusawa; TSE Growth: 9565; hereinafter 'GLOE') will officially launch 'Puyo Puyo Trainer,' a brain-training game for elderly care facilities suitable for recreational use, on October 1, 2026.

In advance of the official launch, the committee will host eight online briefing sessions in July 2026 for elderly care facilities, medical professionals, local governments, and pharmacy-related organizations across Japan.

This service leverages the gameplay of 'Puyo Puyo,' the nationally beloved puzzle game developed by SEGA Corporation (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President & COO: Kuniyoshi Uchiumi; hereinafter 'SEGA'), and is designed to be accessible for elderly individuals and those with developmental support needs.

What is 'Puyo Puyo Trainer'?

'Puyo Puyo Trainer' is a version of SEGA's iconic falling-block puzzle game series optimized for elderly care and welfare facilities by the production committee.

It is a subscription-based browser game developed for use in care and welfare facilities as a recreational and cognitive training tool.

The UI/UX design has been developed under expert supervision regarding usability, safety, and practical application in care settings, ensuring it is easy for anyone to use.

The game will feature three modes: single-player, two-player, and a 'Puyo Puyo Drill' mode — a puzzle-based mode where players strategize how to clear pre-specified falling puyos, similar to shogi problems.

Features of Puyo Puyo Trainer

The interface is designed with high visibility and clarity in mind, especially for users with visual or cognitive impairments. Controls and difficulty levels are optimized to be approachable for elderly users unfamiliar with traditional gaming.

Additionally, in-game play logs, score tracking, and progress visualization are included to support continuous training within facilities.

Settings are intentionally kept simple and non-customizable to reduce cognitive load and decision fatigue.

Visual and audio effects are toned down to avoid discomfort or stress for users sensitive to bright lights, sounds, or intense stimuli.

*Note: This game is one of several IP-utilizing casual games developed by the production committee for elderly care facilities, using licensed visual assets and concepts from SEGA's programming education tool 'Puyo Puyo Programming.' SEGA has granted IP rights and provided supervision for this project.

Official Launch Overview (Planned)

Service Name: Puyo Puyo Trainer

Official Launch Date: October 1, 2026

Delivery Format: Browser-based subscription service

Pricing (up to 100 end users): ¥3,000/month (excl. tax), ¥30,000/year (excl. tax)

Primary Target: Elderly care facilities, day service centers, after-school day services for children with disabilities, employment support facilities, community activity support centers, etc.

*Additional plans are available for corporate training, medical professionals, commercial facilities, restaurants, and internal e-sports events.

e-Sports Tournaments and Promotional Events Planned

Following the official launch, the committee plans to host e-sports tournaments for care facilities and experiential booths at elderly care and welfare exhibitions.

The goal is to create an engaging world where seniors can enjoy brain training as a fun, sustainable activity, establishing a new standard for recreational care.

The committee also aims to collaborate with local governments, pharmacies, and care providers to explore integration with regional comprehensive care systems.

Specifically, the production committee has formed agreements with Yokosuka City (Kanagawa Prefecture), Sanjo City (Niigata Prefecture), and the General Incorporated Association of Insurance Pharmacy Operators to establish the 'Puyo Puyo Trainer Demonstration Stakeholders Team.'

Under this team’s cooperation, use cases involving local governments and pharmacies will be developed.

Additionally, the game can be used for communication in commercial facilities, school education, promotional activities at insurance shops, internal corporate e-sports events, CSR initiatives, and municipal recreational programs.

Separate plans for e-sports tournament use are also available. Interested parties are encouraged to attend the introductory briefings or contact the team.

Eight Online Briefings to Be Held in July 2026

Prior to the official sales launch, online briefings will be held for social welfare corporations, enterprises, and local governments considering adoption.

*Pre-registration and purchase are possible even without attending a briefing.

Briefing Overview

Format: Online (via Zoom)

Target Audience: Care facility staff, medical professionals, local government officials, welfare service providers, pharmacy staff, media, and general businesses interested in implementation

Agenda:

- Brief overview of development background - Service introduction - Mode explanations and live demo - Pricing and registration process - Q&A session - Survey

Schedule (8 sessions total):

- July 27, 2026 (Mon): 18:00–19:00 - July 28, 2026 (Tue): 20:00–21:00 - July 29, 2026 (Wed): 10:00–11:00 - July 29, 2026 (Wed): 13:00–14:00 - July 30, 2026 (Thu): 10:00–11:00 - July 30, 2026 (Thu): 16:00–17:00 - July 31, 2026 (Fri): 10:00–11:00 - July 31, 2026 (Fri): 11:00–12:00

*All sessions will cover identical content.

〇 Registration Form

*Registration URL: Please apply via the form below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmHDXv5bzbUs-YXro4vcLSfKjAHTXZISjrLZdIbs3D58-3QQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor

*This is a business-to-business offering; individual participants or those not aligned with the purpose will not be accepted.

Pre-Registration and Pre-Consultation Now Open

Pre-registration and pre-consultation are now available.

Companies that pre-register will receive guidance materials and information on the application process.

*This does not constitute a purchase commitment or obligation, but priority guidance will be provided to organizations with high interest.