Games using beanbags (otedama)

Yuri-dama arrangement (three beanbags)

Heisei Edition: Fun Beanbag Games, Part 3

One of the most famous hand games with beanbags is the “Yuri-dama.” Many people probably learned as children the technique of passing three or more beanbags back and forth between the left and right hands, like juggling.

Adding variations makes it even more challenging.

The standard Yuri-dama involves catching and passing with the palms, but there’s also a method where you catch on the backs of your hands.

Since you then have to quickly switch to gripping with your palms after the catch, speed is essential.

It’s recommended for those who want to expand their repertoire of tricks.

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Tani Satoko

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Children’s song “Mr. Clock, what time is it now?”

Nursery rhyme: Mr. Clock, what time is it now?

While singing, “What time is it now?” you and your partner gently toss and swap beanbags the number of times matching the hour.

It may look easy at first, but as it goes from 1 o’clock, 2 o’clock, 3 o’clock and so on, the number increases and the difficulty ramps up! It’s hard enough to catch for yourself, but it’s also important to throw in a way that makes it easy for your partner to receive.

If you succeed, you’ll feel a sense of mutual connection in your communication—an activity that both adults and children can enjoy.

Nursery song “Pettara Pettan”

peta peta petan (onomatopoeia of pounding mochi)

This is a beanbag game that uses not only the hands but also the head and shoulders.

You bounce the beanbag with a shaka-shaka rhythm using the words “pettara pettan,” and the lyrics—typical of children’s folk songs wishing for a good harvest—feel distinctly Japanese and charming.

The parts where you balance it on your head or shoulders and then drop and catch it are especially fun, and it’s a beanbag game that takes practice.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Fireworks game

Fireworks Game!! Day Service Recreation

The Fireworks Game is a beanbag toss that lets you enjoy a festive flair.

Pack ping-pong balls into a round dish in the shape of a firework and fix it to the floor.

Players aim from a distance with beanbags, and when they hit the target, the ping-pong balls scatter like fireworks.

Bright colors like orange work well for the balls.

If everyone cheers with a call of “Tamaya!” while waiting their turn, the whole group can have fun together.

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Tani Satoko

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One pinch, two pinches

One for one, two for two (children’s song)

Also known as a beanbag song, a handball (temari) song, and a clapping game song, this piece is sung from the perspective of the daughter of Saigō Takamori, a samurai of the late Edo period who was also the subject of a historical drama, as she visits her father Saigō Takamori’s grave.

Though the lyrics carry a slightly wistful tone, the rhythm and melody are bright, making it easy to juggle beanbags to.

Try practicing by starting slowly and gradually increasing the tempo.

After singing it for beanbag play, try singing it as a handball song or a clapping game song as well.

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SAKI

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