[Care Facility] Recreational Activities to Liven Up Hinamatsuri: A Collection of Ideas to Enjoy Traditional Festivities Even More
Hinamatsuri, the festival that heralds the arrival of spring, is a much-anticipated event in care facilities as well.
This time, we’re introducing Hinamatsuri activities that seniors can enjoy together! From craft projects that let participants use their hands and feel a sense of accomplishment, to sit-down games and quizzes that get everyone fired up, and even staff cosplay that’s sure to bring smiles—we’ve gathered plenty of heart-lifting ideas.
They’re all activities likely to spark lively conversations about fond memories from the past.
Use these ideas as inspiration for a delightful Hinamatsuri program, and enjoy a warm, wonderful time.
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[Care Facility] Recreational Activities to Liven Up Hinamatsuri: A Collection of Ideas to Enjoy Traditional Festivities Even More (1–10)
Hinamatsuri Arare GameNEW!
While enjoying the two-person “Arare Game,” let’s also do some hand and arm rehabilitation.
Use a uchiwa fan to scoop the arare in your own area and send them down a rain gutter.
It’s fine to use both hands when scooping.
Curve both sides of the uchiwa inward to make scooping easier.
Choosing a Hinamatsuri-themed design for the artwork enhances the atmosphere and is highly recommended! Compete on the time it takes to send all of them down, and determine the winning pair.
Since it’s a game that requires concentration, you’ll naturally find yourself completely absorbed!
Handmade Hina Doll Decoration MakingNEW!
Let us introduce a lovely fan-shaped Hina ornament.
For the base, cut thick paperboard into a fan shape, cover it with felt and Japanese-patterned fabric, then finish by hanging gold cord and decorations.
You can use any decorations you like, but in this idea we’ll make flower and ball-shaped ornaments.
The overall feel changes depending on the main color you choose, so try finding your favorite fabrics at a 100-yen shop or craft store and give it a try.
If making the parts is difficult, staff can prepare them in advance.
Even just choosing the parts will make for an exciting time.
Hinamatsuri cosplay by staff
Staff members transform into Hina dolls and have fun! This is a “serious Hinamatsuri” recreation activity.
It might be nice to dress up as the Emperor and Empress, and depending on the number of people, as the three court ladies or the five musicians.
When the staff make their entrance, the venue fills with smiles.
Coming out a little shyly is also part of the fun.
Try lining up like a real tiered Hina display, or let the participants decide the order—both are recommended.
Taking photos together will make for a wonderful, memorable day.
Enjoy Hinamatsuri together in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
[Elder Care Facility] Activities to Liven Up Hinamatsuri: A Collection of Ideas to Enjoy Traditional Festivities Even More (11–20)
Hina-arare passing relay
Many eldercare facilities may be planning Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Festival) events in March.
Here’s a recommended game for large-group recreational activities.
Using an otama (ladle), participants scoop and relay Hinamatsuri rice crackers (hina-arare).
You can use real hina-arare, but considering they might be dropped, it could be better to use paper versions.
First, a staff member scoops the hina-arare with the ladle, passes them to an older adult, and the group transports them in relay format.
If you have a large group, turning it into a team competition will make it even more exciting.
It’s a seated game, so people who use wheelchairs or have difficulty standing can also participate.
Hinamatsuri Quiz
Hinamatsuri is an essential event even at senior care facilities.
It’s customary to celebrate in grand style with cake and special dishes.
When it comes to activities that make the Hinamatsuri event fun, a Hinamatsuri quiz is a great choice.
Through this quiz, seniors might learn new facts about Hinamatsuri they didn’t know before.
Hinamatsuri is an event held to wish for children’s healthy growth, but for example, many people may not know the correct order of the colors when stacking hishi mochi.
There are plenty of tidbits you can rediscover about Hinamatsuri, so please enjoy the quiz together with everyone.
Hinamatsuri Party
When enjoying recreation in a large group, such as at a day service, how about hosting a Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) party? It would be exciting for everyone to dress up as the Emperor and Empress dolls, the three court ladies, and the five musicians, and recreate a realistic tiered display together.
Dancing to songs related to Hinamatsuri or holding a quiz competition also sounds fun.
Preparing snacks like dango for everyone to share is a great idea, too.
Here’s hoping your Hinamatsuri party is lots of fun and becomes a cherished memory!
Making Hina dolls you can display
When today’s seniors were children, some of them celebrated by displaying seven-tiered Hina dolls at home.
While seven-tiered Hina displays are beautiful, many families stopped setting them out because they take up too much space.
So why not try making handmade Hina dolls that can be displayed in a small area? Use washi-patterned origami paper to create the bodies.
By opening the final folded section, they will stand upright.
Cut small pieces of black origami paper to make the faces, then dress them in kimonos.
Origami, which requires dexterous finger movements, helps improve concentration and stimulates the brain, making it recommended for seniors.
Enjoy making origami while also helping to prevent cognitive decline.
