[For Seniors] Kick Off the New Year with Laughter! Fun DIY Ideas for Fuku-warai
When it comes to classic New Year’s games, Fukuwarai—arranging facial features while blindfolded—is a favorite.
Even traditional pastimes can feel fresh and more exciting when you add handmade twists and ideas.
The possibilities are endless: versions you can eat at the end made from cookies or cake, ones that combine clay and pebbles, or designs based on anime characters.
One of the biggest charms of handmade Fukuwarai is that you can enjoy the time spent creating the pieces together with older adults.
Why not try these easy, handmade Fukuwarai ideas at a senior facility or at home as a New Year’s activity?
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[For Seniors] Share the First Laugh and Liven Things Up! Fun DIY Fukuwarai Ideas (11–20)
Cat Fukuwarai
This is a recommended fukuwarai for those who love cats! When you think of fukuwarai, the classic themes are okame or hyottoko, but this one features a cat motif.
In addition to the eyes and nose, try adding parts like ears and a tail to enjoy the game.
Since there are many kinds of cats, try making the base with your favorite breed.
If you have a cat, it might be fun to use a photo of your own pet for the fukuwarai.
After you’re done, enjoy the adorable expression of the finished cat.
Fuku-warai on each other’s masks
It’s a game where two people face each other with their faces hidden by masks, and then attach facial parts onto the other person’s mask as if playing Fukuwarai.
The masks are simple, with only the face outline drawn, and when worn they block the wearer’s vision, creating Fukuwarai-like tactics and bluffing.
It heightens concentration on the surroundings—such as the fingertip sense of which part you’re holding and the sense of distance needed to place it onto the outline in front of you.
The rounded shape of the mask fitting the face also makes it harder to decide where to place each part.
Magnet Fukuwarai
Here’s an idea for a fukuwarai game using a whiteboard and magnets.
Attach magnetic sheets to the backs of the facial parts.
Because the parts have magnetic sheets, it’s easy to place them on the face.
They’re also sturdier than parts made only from construction paper, so they hold up even after repeated handling.
Another plus is that you can get all the materials at a 100-yen shop.
Since magnets stick to a whiteboard, you can prop it up and play fukuwarai while everyone watches.
Enjoy a fun time with this creative twist on fukuwarai.
Fukuwarai with the staff members’ faces
If the faces of people close to you turned into fukuwarai pieces… it would definitely be a blast, right? So how about making a fukuwarai using staff members’ faces? You could print large photos of their faces, or use a free app to turn their faces into illustrations first and then make the fukuwarai.
Not only will participants enjoy playing, but it’s also fun to have staff assemble their own faces while participants give directions like “right” and “left!”
Flying Fukuwarai
When you hear “fukuwarai,” you usually think of the game where you wear a blindfold and place facial features to make a face.
But this version of fukuwarai is one you enjoy by throwing the pieces.
It’s much larger than a typical fukuwarai and is played on the floor: sit in a chair and toss the eyes, nose, and other parts from above to complete the face.
The big size makes it easy to play, but since you’re throwing the pieces, they won’t land neatly in the right spots—guaranteeing a funny face! Play in pairs, with one person handing over the face parts and the other doing the throwing.
Hyottoko’s fukuwarai
Hyottoko, a classic of fukuwarai.
Just looking at his puckered, slightly crooked mouth is fun, isn’t it? And when that already funny face gets turned into fukuwarai and the balance goes off… it’s guaranteed to be hilarious and liven things up! Since you play blindfolded, staff should hand over the parts from the side, saying things like “Here’s the right eye,” “This is the left eyebrow.” Even though it’s orthodox, Hyottoko fukuwarai is a blast—once you see the comical face that results, everyone won’t be able to stop laughing!
[For Seniors] Have your first laugh and liven things up! Fun DIY Fukuwarai Ideas (21–30)
Anpanman Fukuwarai
Here’s an idea for making an Anpanman fukuwarai out of felt.
Fukuwarai is typically a New Year’s game, but by changing the motif it’s perfect for everyday play too! Cut out the base face and parts for your favorite characters—like Anpanman, Baikinman, or Dokin-chan—from felt.
Once it’s ready, put on a blindfold, feel each piece with your hands to guess what it is, and place it on the face! You can find felt in a variety of colors at 100-yen shops, so be sure to check them out.