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Let's make a handmade hagoita! Fun ideas using milk cartons and cardboard

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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!”
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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.

Why not try making your own hagoita (traditional Japanese battledore) for the New Year? In this article, we’ll introduce easy, handmade hagoita ideas that you can try using everyday materials.

By using recycled items like milk cartons, cardboard, or wooden boards from kamaboko fish cakes, you can create a one-of-a-kind original hagoita without spending much on materials.

Try drawing pictures or adding decorations to make pieces that are not only fun to play with but also enjoyable to display.

Enjoy the process of making them while experiencing Japan’s New Year traditions.

Let's Make a Homemade Battledore! Fun Ideas Using Milk Cartons and Cardboard (21–30)

Hagoita finished with resin or decoupage

Natsuki Craft Vol. 73 – Winter Vacation Free Craft Ver. 1 – Hagoita Decoupage Resin

Hagoita finished with resin or decoupage

Here’s an idea for a hagoita (decorative paddle) that creates a glamorous resin look.

Cut a paper napkin into the shape of the paddle and carefully adhere it with all-purpose glue.

Make sure it’s firmly attached to avoid air bubbles and create a smooth, wrinkle-free surface.

After it dries, sand away any excess paper to clean up the edges.

Then layer resin on top to add transparency and shine.

Arrange stickers and pom-poms with glue in a balanced way, and randomly add foil sheets to bring out brilliance and depth.

By mixing materials and adjusting the design, you can express your own style, making this a versatile project that stands out as a gift or interior decor.

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Camellia-themed hagoita ornament

[New Year’s Decorations] Making a Hagoita with Camellias

Camellia-themed hagoita ornament

This piece is perfect as a New Year’s entrance decoration or as a gift, with three-dimensional embellishments that really stand out.

Cut black cardstock into a battledore (hagoita) shape and layer purple and gold paper to create a substantial, elegant base.

Use a kamaboko board or paper straws as reinforcement.

Paint camellia petals on chirimen crepe fabric and carefully attach them while shaping with a bamboo skewer.

Arranging mizuhiki cords like a ribbon further highlights refined Japanese elegance.

You can finish it using materials found at home, making it ideal for parent-child crafting.

It’s a dazzling, handmade idea full of charm, whose expression changes with fabric texture and color choices.

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In conclusion

By making use of familiar materials, anyone can easily handcraft a hagoita paddle. Try arranging them freely by leveraging the unique qualities of each material—such as milk cartons, cardboard, or paper plates. Express your individuality through decorations and color choices to create a one-of-a-kind hagoita. The warmth of something handmade will make the New Year feel even more special.