Digital games on smartphones, gaming consoles and PC are fun and all, but they can’t beat the nostalgia of classic traditional games. In this article, we introduce 22 traditional Japanese games that you can play with your friends and children.
Table of Contents
History of Traditional Japanese Games and Toys
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The oldest toy in Japan is said to be the Koma (独楽), spinning top, with a history that dates back to the 6th or 7th century. Modern Koma are enjoyed as toys spun with strings or fingers, enjoyed for the simple fun of watching them spin or used to battle it out in competition. However, in ancient times, people are believed to have used the spinning of Koma for divination.
The Otedama (お手玉), juggling beanbags, is thought to have originated from China. During his childhood, Prince Shotoku, a statesman of the Asuka period, used to play with them. Back then, Otedama were square-shaped and made of crystals, and known as Ishinatoridama (お手玉). These Ishinatoridama are considered the predecessor to modern Otedama.
Sugoroku (双六), a board game, and Mari (鞠), a ball, were introduced from China during the Heian period and were primarily enjoyed by adult aristocrats. Other examples of games and toys from the Heian period include Kaiawase (貝合わせ) and Kaioi (貝覆い), matching shells for their shape or beauty game, and Igo (囲碁), the board game we know now as Go. Many of these games are the foundation for modern forms of play.
Many of Japan’s traditional games were originally intended for adults or served a greater purpose for divination or warding off evil. Over time, these tools originally created for a different reason were repurposed as entertainment. These pastime activities gradually spread from the aristocracy to commoners, and are still enjoyed as toys and games in modern times.
Writer's Pick
22 Traditional Japanese Games and Toys
Without further ado, here are the 22 traditional Japanese games and toys that we could think of. There are many more but this will get you off to a good start.
Traditional Japanese Toys
Among Japan’s traditional toys, Kendama and Temari may sound familiar, but there are actually a whole lot more. You can find them at Japanese toy stores, candy shops, or through online shopping.
1. Koma (独楽)
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Koma is a traditional spinning top. There are two ways to play with a Koma, Nagekoma (投げ独楽), where a string or thread is wound around the top and it is thrown to make it spin, and Hinerikoma (ひねり独楽), spun by twisting the top with your fingers.
In ancient times, Koma were used for divination and court rituals. After the Edo period, they became popular as children's toys. Koma can be a relaxing form of entertainment, just enjoyed for how it spins prettily, but can also be a heated battle game.
Skill is required to spin a Koma well. How the string is wound, how it is thrown, and even the Koma’s shape will affect how well it spins.
2. Kendama (けん玉)
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Kendama is a traditional Japanese toy from the Edo period. It resembles a hammer, and is played by catching a ball, connected by a string, on its pointed tip or sides.
In recent years, kendama has gained popularity overseas, with world tournaments attracting participants from various countries. They also make for a popular souvenir when visiting Japan.
There are various tricks that can be performed with Kendama, such as “Airplane” and “Candle”. High-difficulty tricks are said to be challenging even for experts. Kendama is an affordable toy, so if you're curious, why not give it a try?
3. Otedama (お手玉)
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Otedama are traditional Japanese juggling beanbags made with cloth bags filled with red beans, soybeans or beads. It is played by juggling the beanbags and catching them before they fall.
Otedama is considered one of Japan’s “Kakusei Denshou (隔世伝承)”, traditions that are not just for fun, but passed down to teach manners and proper behaviour. For example, making Otedama involves learning sewing skills and proper sitting posture, which is why it is classified as a Kakusei Denshou activity.
Otedama is typically made by sewing together four pieces of cloth. While it is believed to have originated from China, the cloth-wrapped design of Otedama is unique to Japan. The feel and sound of the beanbags vary depending on its filling.
4. Menko (めんこ)
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Menko is a traditional card game played with rectangular or round thick paper cards. Players throw down their Menko cards onto scattered ones on the ground, using air pressure to flip over their opponent’s card. Any flipped Menko card becomes the player’s property, and the winner is determined by who collects the most cards.
The origins of Menko trace back to the Edo period. Initially, clay figures shaped like human faces, called Menko, were used and played similarly to games like marbles, by colliding them. The practice of using paper cards as Menko began in the Meiji period. At that time, Menko featuring sumo wrestlers, baseball players, movie stars, and manga characters were particularly popular.
Traditional Games with Nursery Rhymes
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Warabe Uta (わらべ歌) are traditional Japanese songs, similar to nursery rhymes. They are sung by children during play. These songs naturally emerged in daily life and play, and have come to be passed down through generations.
Meant for children, Warabe Uta are simple and easy to remember melodies. Today, they are still cherished as part of Japan’s traditional culture and are sung among children.
5. Kagome Kagome (かごめかごめ)
Kagome Kagome is one of Japan’s most iconic nursery rhyme (Warabe Uta) games. One player is chosen to be “it” (the Oni) and is blindfolded while squatting down. The other players surround the Oni, singing:
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「かごめかごめ |
“Kagome Kagome |
Kagome Kagome |
At the end of the song, the Oni guesses who is behind them. The game is especially fun when played with groups of four, five or more.
6. Hana Ichi Monme (花一匁)
Hana Ichi Monme, another nursery rhyme (Warabe Uta) game, is similar to Kagome Kagome. It involves singing while moving and is played in groups.
The game is played by dividing players into two teams. Teams strategize among themselves and play rock-paper-scissors with the opposing team to recruit members. Players split into two lines, holding hands and standing opposite each other. The team that wins rock-paper-scissors starts by singing one line of the song, followed by the other team.
Here are the lyrics to Hana Ichi Monme (the content may vary by region).
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勝って嬉しい はないちもんめ |
Katte ureshii Hana ichi monme |
We’re so happy we won, a flower is one monme |
When the song ends, teams discuss who they want from the opposing team. Once decided, they declare "It's decided!" (きーまった, Ki-matta)" together. The chosen person plays rock-paper-scissors with a member of the other team, and the loser joins the winner’s team. The game continues until one team has no members left.
7. Nabe Nabe Sokonuke (なべなべそこぬけ)
Nabe Nabe Sokonuke is a playful game involving physical movement and a simple song about a pot with a hole in its bottom.
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なべなべそこぬけ |
Nabe nabe sokonuke |
Pan, pan, bottom |
Two players face each other, holding both hands. While singing, "Nabe nabe sokonuke, soko ga nuketara", they swing their joined hands. As the song ends with "Kaerimashou", they turn back-to-back while keeping their hands joined. They then repeat the song, and at the end, return to facing each other, completing one cycle.
Nabe Nabe Sokonuke can be played with larger groups and is open to creative variations for added fun.
8. Oshikura Manju (押し競饅頭)
Oshikura Manju is a game primarily enjoyed during the autumn and winter seasons. It involves singing a nursery rhyme (Warabe Uta) while players press their backs together, warming themselves through the activity. The lyrics are as follows:
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おしくらまんじゅう 押されて泣くな |
Oshikura manjuu osarete nakuna |
Oshikura manju, don’t cry if you’re pushed. |
To play, draw a circle on the ground just big enough for all participants to fit inside, and have everyone step in. Players sing the song line by line while pushing each other with their backs or hips. In some regions, only the phrase "Oshikura manju, osarete nakuna" is repeated. Anyone who falls or gets pushed out of the circle loses.
Japanese Games for Indoor Fun
Here are Japanese games for indoor fun. Perfect for rainy weather days, and easy to play across all generations, feel free to give them a try!
9. Origami (折り紙)
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Origami (← Click to learn how to make 3 popular origami works.) is a popular pastime where square pieces of traditional Japanese paper (和紙, Washi) are folded into shapes like animals or everyday objects. The origins of Japanese Origami date back to the Heian period, when paper was still a precious material, and nobles folded it to wrap gifts or offerings. It wasn’t until the Edo period that Origami began to be enjoyed as a recreational activity.
With Origami, you can create a wide range of works, from flat designs to three-dimensional creations, depending on the folding techniques. In Japan, it is customary to give a "Senbazuru (千羽鶴)" (1,000 paper cranes) as a gesture of wishing for someone's recovery when visiting them in the hospital.
Although often thought of as a children’s activity, origami is also valued as a way to exercise fine motor skills and stimulate the brain, making it popular among people of all ages.
10. Ayatori (綾取り)
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Ayatori is “cat’s cradle”, a game where a loop of string or yarn is placed on both hands, and various shapes are created using the fingers. It can be played alone or with multiple people, making it a highly versatile game. With minimal equipment, it can be played anywhere, making it especially appealing.
There are many shapes you can create in ayatori, such as "broom," "shooting star," and "Tokyo Tower." For more complex shapes, a longer string is required.
11. Sugoroku (すごろく)
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Sugoroku is a traditional Japanese board game enjoyed since the Nara period. It is a simple game where players roll dice to move their pieces and aim for the goal. There are variations such as "Docho Sugoroku (道中すごろく)" and "Shusse Sugoroku (出世すごろく)", which focus on journeys or success in life.
The origin of the modern "E Sugoroku (絵すごろく)" (illustrated sugoroku) comes from "Buppo Sugoroku (仏法すごろく)", a game created to teach Buddhist teachings to monks. Later, in the Edo period, it became a widely popular game among the general public.
Sugoroku is a game that can be enjoyed by multiple people. It is easy to understand who wins or loses, making it a game suitable for all ages.
12. Ohajiki (おはじき)
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Ohajiki is a game where flat glass marbles are flicked with fingers. It is played on a flat surface such as a floor or table. There are many different ways to play Ohajiki. For example, players can flick five marbles with their fingers to knock the opponent's marbles off the playing area or advance their own marbles, competing to win.
Ohajiki allows for the creation of unique rules, so once you’re familiar with the game, it’s fun to come up with your own original version of the game.
13. Shiritori (しりとり)
Shiritori is a traditional Japanese word game where players take turns saying words that begin with the last letter of the previous word. The game continues until one player is unable to come up with a word, repeats a word that has already been used, or end a word with “ん (n)” (there are no Japanese words that start with this letter), at which point they lose the round.
The game is simple to play and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It helps to build vocabulary and improve language skills, making it both fun and educational. Shiritori can be played with just two people or in larger groups, and it can also be played in different variations, such as using only nouns or adding specific rules, like limiting the use of certain letters. It's a versatile and easy-to-learn game that can be played anywhere, making it a popular choice for family and friends.
Get Active with These Games
There are many games that can get you moving and can be played without tools or toys. Want to get active? Here are some traditional Japanese games that involve physical activity.
14. Onigokko (鬼ごっこ)
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Tag, known as Oni Gokko in Japan, is a game where players try to escape from the "it" player, who is called Oni (demon). The game has different names depending on the region, such as Oni Asobi (鬼あそび) or Oni Goto (鬼ごと).
The rules are simple. One player is chosen to be the Oni, and they count to ten. Once they finish counting, the Oni chases the other players and tags them. The player who gets tagged becomes the new Oni.
In addition to the basic rules, there are endless variations, such as non-running tag or a version called Kagefumi Oni (影踏み鬼; Shadow Tag), where players become the Oni by stepping on someone’s shadow instead of touching them. The game can be adapted depending on age, number of players, and location, making it a fun and flexible activity.
15. Daruma-san ga Koronda (だるまさんが転んだ)
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Daruma-san ga Koronda is a traditional Japanese game that has been enjoyed for many years. It is similar to our “Traffic Light” game.
In this game, one player takes on the role of "Oni" and says "Daruma-san ga koronda (だるまさんが転んだ, The Daruma doll has fallen"). While the Oni is saying this, the other players try to move closer and tag the Oni. However, when the Oni turns around, everyone must freeze and remain still. If someone moves, they are caught by the Oni and must wait for a teammate to rescue them.
No equipment is needed to play Daruma-san ga Koronda, and the rules are simple and easy to remember, making it a great game for young children to enjoy.
16. Kan Keri (缶蹴り)
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Can Kicking, called Kan Keri in Japanese, is a traditional Japanese game where players try to kick a can while avoiding being seen by the "Oni".
An empty can is required to play this game. The game begins by selecting one person to be the Oni. A circle is drawn on the ground, and the empty can is placed in the center. The game starts when one of the non-Oni players kicks the can as hard as they can. While the Oni is retrieving the kicked can, the other players hide. The Oni then searches for the hidden players.
If the Oni finds someone, they must loudly call the player's name and return to the circle, stepping on the can. The caught player must then enter the circle. The game ends when all players are caught, and the first person found becomes the next Oni.
In Kan Keri, there is a rule that even if the Oni finds many players, they lose if the last person successfully kicks the can. The players hiding must carefully approach the can and kick it without being caught, adding an element of thrill to the game.
For the New Year’s
In Japan, there is a custom of playing traditional games such as Fukuwarai and Hanetsuki on New Year’s. It is believed that these games bring luck and prosperity. Here are some games that are unique to the Japanese New Year.
17. Hanetsuki (羽根突き)
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Hanetsuki is a traditional Japanese New Year’s game where players hit a feathered shuttlecock with a wooden paddle called Hagoita (羽子板). The game is similar to badminton, but is played without a net. A playful aspect of the game is that whoever misses hitting the shuttlecock has their face marked with ink.
In addition to being a fun activity, Hanetsuki is believed to have protective powers. With each hit of the feathered shuttlecock, evil spirits are driven away. Traditionally, the shuttlecock is made with seeds from the Mukuroji (無患子; Soapberry) plant, which symbolises “not being afflicted by illness” and is considered to bring good luck.
18. Takoage (凧揚げ)
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Takoage is a traditional Japanese game of kite flying. It is a popular activity enjoyed with family and friends and has been loved for generations. Japanese kits are typically made with a bamboo or wooden frame, onto which paper or cloth is attached. The shapes of kites vary, ranging from squares and hexagons to depictions of people or animals. Each region of Japan has its own unique designs, reflecting the local culture and customs.
The tradition of flying kites during New Year's began in the Edo period. It was originally a way to celebrate the birth of boys and pray for their growth. Even today, flying kites continue to symbolise prayers for children's health and growth.
19. Fukuwarai (福笑い)
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Fukuwari is a traditional Japanese New Year’s game. While blindfolded, players place facial features like eyes, nose and mouth onto a drawing of a face, which is simply outlined. The rules for determining the winner are flexible—some may decide the winner based on the most humorous arrangement, while others might choose the most accurate.
In Japan, there's a proverb that says, "Laughing gates invite fortune (笑う門には福来る, Warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru), meaning that laughter brings good luck. As a result, Fukuwarai has continued to be a beloved New Year's game, helping to usher in good fortune for the year.
20. Karuta (かるた)・Hyakunin Isshu (百人一首)
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Karuta is traditional Japanese card game played with two types of card: Mojifuda (文字札), cards with text and Efuda (絵札), cards with illustrations. Players must pick the illustration cards that match with the text being read out. There are various types of Karuta, with two of the most well-known being Iroha Karuta (いろはかるた), which uses the Iroha poems, and Hyakunin Isshu (百人一首), which uses 100 famous Japanese poems (Waka) by 100 different poets.
There are several ways to play Hyakunin Isshu Karuta, such as Chirashitori (散らし取り; Scattering Cards), Genpeisetsu (源平合戦; Genpei War), and Sakasama Karuta (逆さまかるた; Upside Down Karuta). The game was originally played in the imperial court but became popular among common people during the Edo period.
Hyakunin Isshu Karuta is also a competitive game. Every January, the Meijin (名人; Men’s Division) and Queen (クイーン; Women’s Division) tournaments are held at Omi Jingu Shrine in Shiga Prefecture. In July, the National High School Ogura Hyakunin Isshu Karuta Championship takes place. These competitions are known for their intense and fast-paced nature, sometimes referred to as "martial arts on tatami mats”.
Karuta has gained popularity overseas as well. In part thanks to the popular coming-of-age manga and anime series “Chihayafuru”.
21. Daruma Otoshi (だるま落とし)
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Daruma Otoshi is a traditional Japanese wooden toy where a Daruma doll's face is placed on top of several stacked blocks. The game involves using a small mallet to knock out the blocks from the bottom, without causing the Daruma’s head to fall.
The Daruma doll symbolises resilience, as it is said to always get back up after falling, making it a good luck charm. The belief is that if you manage to knock out all the blocks without toppling the Daruma, you can avoid misfortune for the year. This game is a popular part of Japanese New Year's traditions.
22. Temari (手毬)
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Temari is a traditional Japanese handcraft ball made by stitching colourful threads onto a round ball, creating intricate and geometric patterns. Originally, Temari were hand-stitched as toys for children or used as decorative ornaments. They are used to play handball games like hacky sack.
Temar is also a popular New Year’s gift and decoration, symbolising wishes for happiness, good fortune and longevity. The balls are often made from fabric, wrapped around a core, and decorated with beautiful, detailed embroidery that can feature flowers, stars, and other designs. Each design and colour combination can carry its own symbolic meaning, adding to its beauty and significance.
Today, temari-making is still a cherished craft, often passed down through generations as a form of art. The process requires patience and precision, as the stitching creates delicate, vibrant patterns that are visually stunning.
To Close
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Japan has many traditional games and toys that have been enjoyed for generations. Many of these games have simple rules or require no special equipment, making them accessible and fun for people of all ages.
