A Simulation Game for Examining the Conditions of Smooth Circulation

Abstract

Over 300 communities in Japan have recently introduced community currencies. These currencies are used within specific communities and are intended to develop mutual trust and reciprocity among members through the exchange of services such as babysitting, teaching computer skills and so on. However, it has been shown in some circumstances that community currencies fail to circulate. The main purpose of this study is to develop a simulation to examine the effect on the circulation of currencies of factors such as the characteristics of the community, resources owned by the residents and the design of the community currency itself. Results of a tentative examination of the effect of an economic divide within a community using the simulation game are also reported.