Beanbag song: a playable children's folk song

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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You dropped one, sir/ma’am.

[Beanbag Song] A saucer—drop one saucer

“Osara” is said to be a corrupted form of osarai, which means reviewing or practicing something you’ve been taught.

Just as the song has verses up to number nine, with each increasingly difficult beanbag-juggling trick you complete, you repeat the word “osara.” Although it’s called a beanbag game, it’s really a skill that goes beyond mere play—you can’t master it without plenty of ‘osarai’ (practice).

I’ve heard this technique also varies by region.

It’s amazing to think people in the old days played like this.

Alone Kina

Nursery rhyme “Hitorikina,” a counting song — Otedama (Japanese beanbag) play: How to play

Counting songs are wonderful not only because they help children learn numbers, but also because they let them experience the beauty of traditional Japanese expressions used to illustrate those numbers.

In “Hitorikina,” you pass beanbags back and forth with a light pop while singing the counting song.

At the end of the song, cup the beanbag with both hands.

Since many of the words may be children’s first encounter with certain Japanese, they might ask, “What does that mean?” It’s a nursery rhyme game that lets kids discover the beauty of Japanese as they play.

It’s something you’ll want to enjoy across generations—parents and children, and with grandparents too.

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Hello, Jizo.

Hello, Jizo.

Ojizō-san, Hello is a simple game that starts by placing a beanbag on your head and bowing while saying, “Hello, Ojizō-san.” Then you try to catch the beanbag as it slides off your head.

Children around age three can play along.

Even though the rules are simple, catching the beanbag is surprisingly tricky.

It’s okay to miss! Enjoy the back-and-forth as everyone says things like, “Did you get it?” and “I dropped it.” Try playing with different groups of people!

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when you get home

Nursery rhyme / When the rice sticks, let’s let go (Monthly Cuyon, March 2018 issue)

“Kometsuitara Hanaso” is a traditional children’s song you can play together with kids from around age four, once they start understanding game rules.

First, while singing “Kometsuitara,” gently tap a beanbag in your hand.

At the end, while saying “Hanashita,” raise the hand holding the beanbag high and let it drop.

If you can catch it with your other hand, you succeed.

Once you get used to the game, raising the drop height makes it more challenging and fun.

Try seeing how high you can go and still succeed!

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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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