Lovely Play & Recreation

Games and activities to enjoy on Children’s Day, including crafts

Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”
lighterutatane
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.

May 5 is Children’s Day.

It used to be called Tango no Sekku (the Boys’ Festival), but in recent years it has become widely recognized as Children’s Day, a day to wish for children’s healthy growth.

It’s still often seen as a celebration for boys, but in fact it’s a day to celebrate all children regardless of gender and to thank mothers who gave birth to them.

In this article, we introduce play ideas and recreation games perfect for Children’s Day.

We’ve gathered many games related to Children’s Day and koinobori (carp streamers).

Please feel free to use these ideas at home or when celebrating in early childhood settings and give them a try!

Games and activities to enjoy on Children's Day, including crafts (31–40)

The Lost Koinobori

Picture-story show: "The Lost Koinobori"

The Lost Koinobori

Here’s an introduction to a Children’s Day story perfect for kamishibai or read-aloud time: “The Lost Koinobori.” It’s humorous because the protagonist isn’t a real carp (koi) but an actual koinobori that follows a blimp.

For example, you could make a child’s handmade koinobori the main character and draw pictures or tell a story about it.

With a bit of creativity, this work could be a great way to give children an even more fun impression of koinobori and Children’s Day.

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Murakami Shinpei

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A soccer game you can make with straws

[Summer Vacation Crafts] Easy! Playable Crafts (For Elementary School Students) [Soccer] [Handmade Toy] Independent Research

A soccer game you can make with straws

How about making a simple toy out of straws so you can enjoy soccer at home? It’s a fun, engaging game you can play together with friends or family! Another great point is that you can make it using familiar materials like an empty box and some straws.

Use the empty box to create the field and the straws to build the goals.

Attach straws to the player pieces you cut out from the box, and control them as you play.

It could be even more exciting to model the players after your favorite stars! This toy is sure to help kids develop dexterity and concentration.

We’ve shared detailed instructions in a video, so check it out and give it a try!

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Crafts you can play with

9 Playable Crafts for Elementary School Kids: Cardboard, Toilet Paper Rolls, and Straws – Easy 2021 DIYs for Moms, Dads, and Childcare Workers

Crafts you can play with

In this Reiwa era, where digital devices have surrounded us since the day we were born, it’s nice to enjoy some analog play from time to time.

So here’s a summer craft you can make and play with right away: the “Wobbly Tree.” Glue a branching tree onto half of a toy capsule.

Hang rubber bands from the branches one by one, and the person who knocks the tree over loses.

If you substitute the toy capsule base with something else, you can make an even bigger tree.

There are also videos introducing other playable crafts, so if you’re interested, be sure to check them out.

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Taki no namida pin ku

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woodworking helmet

https://www.tiktok.com/@chipa.tiktok/video/7213566447610645761

This is a helmet whose striking features are its three-dimensional presence and sense of power, built by combining wooden parts.

Since it takes skill to carve the rounded portion that fits the head from square lumber, it might be better to use pre-rounded pieces from the start.

Not only are there curves, but the brim flares out and there are decorative elements as well, so it’s important to envision the overall shape first and then consider the balance of each part.

It seems best to create a powerful impression by skillfully alternating between areas you make smooth and areas you intentionally leave sharp.

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denim kabuto (samurai helmet made of denim)

[Stylish] How to make a denim kabuto (samurai helmet)

denim kabuto (samurai helmet made of denim)

A kabuto (samurai helmet) crafted from denim fabric that combines a stylish look with durability.

The process is simple—unfolding something folded like origami—but since fabric is thicker than paper, use an iron to press crisp creases.

It’s also important to fold symmetrically left and right; paying close attention here will lead to a more beautiful finish.

Finally, secure the edges with glue, add decorations, and it’s done.

It’s also fun to try fabrics in various colors to see how the overall impression changes.

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Games and activities to enjoy on Children's Day. Craft activities too (41–50)

A child wearing a helmet

Origami for Children's Day: How to Fold a Child Wearing a Kabuto (Samurai Helmet)

A child wearing a helmet

Let me introduce a child wearing a kabuto (samurai helmet), perfect for the Tango no Sekku (Boys’ Festival).

You will need one sheet of origami paper for the helmet, one for the crest (kuwagata), eye stickers, cheek stickers, a pen, and glue.

If you don’t have stickers, you can draw them with a pen instead.

First, fold the helmet by matching the corners along the diagonal to make a crease, then mark the center point.

Fold along the mark, and use that as a guide for the next folds—it makes the process easier.

The kuwagata involves some small, detailed folds, but if you show an example, your child may be able to make it well.

Try using your favorite colors and drawing different faces to have fun with it.

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Towel play with carp streamers

@hiorietowel
soonChildren's DaySo, with that said, it's easy to do.Towel ArtIntroducing how to make a 'koinobori' (carp streamer) 🎏#NappingArtIt’s also perfect for photos 📷✨ It’s easy to make, so give it a try 😊Life with children Anniversary Recommendation Towel Hospitality Kids will love it
♪ Original Song – Hiorie Towel Direct Shop – Hiorie Towel Direct Shop

This is a fun activity where you make a carp streamer (koinobori) using a hand towel.

Fold the towel into a triangle and adjust it so that both ends come slightly above the center.

Fold the near edge inward about 3 centimeters, flip it over, then roll it three times from the edge to shape it.

Gently pull the inner fabric to naturally form the tail fin.

Finally, add eyes to complete a cute koinobori.

You can hold the finished towel koinobori and move it as if it’s swimming, or line them up for display—perfect for Children’s Day.

All you need is a towel, making it a recommended craft activity that parents and children can enjoy together.

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