Lovely childcare

Games using beanbags (otedama)

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

Let me introduce a game using beanbags (otedama)!

Otedama are small cloth bags filled with azuki beans or rice.

In Japan, they’ve long been loved as children’s playthings.

Many of you have probably tried the game where you toss several otedama into the air and keep them going without dropping any, right?

In this article, we’ll introduce otedama tricks, traditional children’s songs you can play along with, and games using otedama that everyone from kids to adults can enjoy.

Try adding it to your everyday playtime!

Games Using Beanbags (31–40)

Juggling Knockdown

Juggling Knockdown

Juggling Knockdown

People take turns picking up beanbags one by one from a big piled-up heap.

It’s like the “shogi-kuzushi” game that uses shogi pieces, but with beanbags! See how many cute beanbags you can quietly remove without making a sound and without collapsing the pile.

As the game reaches the end, there are fewer beanbags left, and it gets more and more difficult.

It’s also fun to see everyone’s personality come out—some go bold, while others play it carefully.

Raise the rankinglower

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In conclusion

We introduced some games you can play with beanbags.

How did you like them? You might think beanbags are just for throwing, but there are actually all kinds of ways to play! If you find a game that makes you think, “I want to try that!”, go ahead and give it a shot.

Mastering tricks does take practice, but once you start, beanbag play is surprisingly addictive.

Before you know it, you’ll be able to do it!