Games using beanbags (otedama)

Gengo Mekaka-sama

Children’s song “Gengome Kakasama” (beanbag play) - “Gengome Kakasama” #How to play with Otedama (Japanese beanbags)

In the nursery song “Gengome Kakasama,” you play with two beanbags.

The rules are simple: toss the beanbags you’re holding in each hand up to the rhythm of the song and catch them.

That said, when you catch them, you must use the opposite hand from the one that tossed the beanbag, which makes it a bit challenging.

Also, on the final beat of the song, you catch the beanbag on the back of your hand after throwing it, so be sure to practice that well.

The trick is to straighten your fingers to keep the back of your hand flat.

First, practice tossing the beanbags in time with the rhythm.

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sasashina

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Goodbye, ankoro mochi.

Children’s song game “Goodbye, Ankoromochi”

“Sayonara Ankoromochi” is a simple beanbag game that people of all ages—from children to seniors—can enjoy.

If you don’t have a beanbag, you can substitute a handkerchief rolled into a ball.

While singing “Sayonara ankoromochi,” pass the beanbag back and forth between your right hand and left hand.

While chanting “Mata kinako,” place the beanbag on top of your head, and then, as everyone says “Konnichiwa” and bows, the beanbags plop-plop down from their heads.

It’s an irresistibly cute, soothing game, so enjoy it on many different occasions.

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tsukada moe

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The very first is Ichinomiya.

Playing with children (traditional) — First of all is Ichinomiya

There are many kinds of counting songs among children’s folk songs, and the ones people are familiar with likely differ by region.

“Ichiban hajime wa Ichi no Miya” is one such counting song.

As you sing, you rhythmically toss beanbags.

Children can usually learn to do it with practice from about elementary school age.

Since it’s quite a long counting song, it’s fun to see how long you can keep the beanbags going! Beanbag play doesn’t just use your hands—it also helps you pick up the rhythm.

Once you learn it, you’ll find yourself absorbed in the game.

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tsukada moe

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Beanbag juggling

A remarkable first grader playing with a homemade icosahedral beanbag made from straws

As the name suggests, beanbag juggling is a hand game where you bounce a beanbag up and down like juggling a soccer ball.

The movement is simple—you just tap it with your palm to the rhythm of a song—but when the tempo speeds up, it’s easy to lose balance and it can be surprisingly tricky.

You can use any song, whether a traditional children’s tune or a popular hit! Since it’s a hand game you can do while singing, everyone can get excited together using their favorite songs.

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Tani Satoko

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beanbag pouch

Beanbag toss for recreation

Each person holds about ten beanbags and plays a game of tossing them into a basket placed at a distance.

You can set the basket far away in advance, or attach a string so it can be pulled and moved—either way could make the game more exciting.

There’s something nostalgic and pleasant about beanbags: the feel when you grab them and the rattling sound of the azuki beans or rice inside.

It could be fun to compete in teams to see who can get the most beanbags into the basket.