As the name suggests, “dekapan” are oversized pants, and they’re often used in sports day events.
Two people each put a leg through, and then take part in various contests like relays.
In this article, we’ll introduce a variety of sports day activities that use dekapan.
Even classic events like relays, obstacle races, and giant ball rolling become uniquely fun when you add dekapan into the mix.
The dekapan themselves can even serve as a substitute baton in a relay! Be sure to try using dekapan and enjoy all sorts of events.
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Dekapan Race: Fun Competitions Using Dekapan (1–10)
Soccer in big underpants
As a slightly unique idea, let me introduce a game where you play soccer while wearing giant shared pants.
First, two people step into the oversized pants together and place a ball at their feet.
For the ball, use one made by putting two balls inside a net.
Then the two players dribble the ball together, and when they get in front of the goal, they take a shot.
Since the controls feel different from regular soccer, the appeal is enjoying the strange sensation.
You can also do this in a relay format—it’ll make things even more exciting.
Shopping race in big pants
One widely popular event at school sports days is the shopping race.
In a shopping race, participants draw a card or tag placed along the course and then put the item written on it into a shopping basket before crossing the finish line.
It’s similar to a ‘borrowing race.’ How about combining this shopping race with elements of the oversized-pants race? When two people take on the shopping race together, there will be many moments when they need to synchronize—such as deciding who draws the card and who carries the basket.
If they demonstrate good teamwork, it will strengthen their bond even more.
Ball toss in oversized bloomers
If you want to put a twist on the traditional beanbag toss, the oversized-pants race is a perfect match.
For example, how about making it a relay event? Place a pair of giant pants along the course; participants put them on and head to the beanbag basket.
After tossing the beanbags in, they cross the finish line and pass the baton.
Unlike the usual beanbag toss, the restricted movement caused by the oversized pants adds a fun challenge.
And because it’s a relay, the urgency of “I’ve got to get them in quickly!” makes it even more exciting.
You could also prepare a baton that hangs from the neck.
Obstacle relay in big underpants
If you want to add a small twist to the Dekapan (giant pants) race, combining it with an obstacle relay is a great idea.
In a standard Dekapan race you just run the course, but in this version you’ll need to get over or dodge obstacles.
It’s a subtle change, yet it significantly boosts the gameplay because the two runners must move in perfect sync.
Recommended obstacles include hurdles and cones.
Hurdles in particular make for a flashy jumping motion that excites both the runners and the spectators.
Three-person big-pants relay
This is a version of the oversized-pants relay that’s tough even with two people—only this time it’s done with three.
With three participants, it’ll probably get even more chaotic.
You’ll need to sync up even better than with two people, or you won’t make good progress, so be sure to cooperate closely as a trio.
It might be best to form teams of people with similar running times and body types.
That said, the more you look like you’re about to veer off in a weird direction, the more the cheering tends to heat up.
If you want to crank up the difficulty on purpose, you could ignore team composition and put together a group with noticeable differences in height.
In boxers! The Olympic torch relay
A perfect event to kick off the sports day is the “Giant-Pants Torch Relay.” Before the Olympics begin, there’s always a torch relay, right? This event is modeled after that.
Participants get into oversized pants and pass a baton representing the Olympic flame in a relay.
Unlike a regular relay, the fun twist is using an extra-large baton.
It also adds to the excitement because it feels “just like a torch relay.” You can make it even more fun by crafting the torch and the flame as separate pieces and having participants run while balancing the flame on top.
Parent and child big-pants race
The big-pants race is also perfect for when you want to participate together with parents or guardians.
You and a parent both get into the oversized pants and run while holding hands.
Since you have to match your stride and pace, it might be a chance to reaffirm the strength of your bond.
Sharing the same big pants also highlights the difference in body size, making the child look especially cute.
It’s heartwarming for spectators, too, and snapping photos will make for great memories.
While it’s a competition to see who can run the fastest, be sure to enjoy those aspects as well.