Sempai-Kouhai Program
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This page has been saved as historical information.
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First conceived as a part of the Imperial Sun Party's congressional platform, the Sempai-Kouhai program was evolved into a citizen-run education program in Japan, the sole of its kind at the time.
It was directed by Metic.
Structure
The Sempai-Kouhai program operated purely out of the organization and was not forum based. Contact between the mentor and trainee was established through this organization and trainees were generally told of this program through the 'new citizen message'.
Names
The Sempai-Kouhai name originates from the Japanese nouns, Senpai(先輩) and Kouhai(後輩), which literally translates into 'adulthood' and 'childhood.' There is, however, much more to these two terms in Japanese society. Generally, it is used to separate or show seniority in a particular setting such as between family members or between upper and lower classmates.
In the Western world, the senpai-kouhai relationship may also be akin to that of a mentor and protege which is the intended meaning in this case.
Leadership
This program was run by a Director and an Assistant Director who directs citizens to their respective mentors. It was then up to the mentor to guide the new player through all the game mechanics within the game.
The S-K program was run mainly through the help of volunteers from within the Japanese community. The message goes out to new players via Japan's new citizen message which amongst many other things, provides a link to this organization.
Aim
The main purpose of this program was to guide new citizens through the first few days of gameplay. eRepublik as a game features many unconventional features that can put players off. The hope is that through personal conversations with another player, an experienced one, would greatly increase the chances of players sticking in and in turn, become a valuable member of the community.
Programme
Being the main education program of Japan, the mentors of the exchange are tasked with helping the new players with all new eRepublik concepts such as wellness and training. There are no formal educational guidelines or formal graduation. Along with opening key government companies to avoid the dreaded "no job openings" message, this was part of a nation-wide push to instigate activity within the community.
Results
The results of this program were mixed. The chief of the program, Toumori, has gone missing in the latter part of his term and the project was on hold for a while. Early results indicated that new players were in fact exposed to the program and that pairings between them and the mentors were happening. Exact figures on these were unknown.
