Lovely handmade crafts

DIY ideas for a den-den daiko (Japanese pellet drum). Let’s make and play with this nostalgic toy!

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

The den-den daiko, long known as a children’s toy.

It’s a small hand drum with a handle that makes sound when the beads on strings strike the drum.

Simple, yet one of the kids’ favorites.

In fact, this den-den daiko is surprisingly easy to make by hand! This article introduces DIY ideas for making your own den-den daiko.

The ideas mainly use recycled materials like empty boxes, milk cartons, and tape cores, making them perfect for children’s crafts.

Give it a try and have fun making and playing!

Handmade ideas for den-den daiko (pellet drum). Let’s make and play with this nostalgic toy! (1–10)

[Cardboard] Oni Den-den Daiko (Hand Drum)

[Setsubun/Craft] How to Make an Oni Den-Den Daiko? Easy with Cardboard!

[Cardboard] Oni Den-den Daiko (Hand Drum)

Here’s an introduction to an oni-themed den-den daiko perfect for Setsubun.

Prepare a round piece of cardboard for the oni’s face and triangular cardboard pieces for the horns.

Make two buttons with kite string tied to them and tape them to the left and right sides of the face cardboard.

Attach a pair of chopsticks to the bottom as a handle, then place a piece of construction paper of the same size over the top to secure everything in place.

Cut out blue and red circles from construction paper and use yarn, construction paper, and stickers to create the faces; stick them on both sides of the round face cardboard.

Finally, add yellow construction paper with patterns to the horn sections, and you’re done.

Let the kids use their creativity to make oni with all kinds of expressions!

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[Empty Box] Rabbit Den-Den Daiko (Hand Drum)

Nostalgic handmade den-den daiko (pellet drum)

[Empty Box] Rabbit Den-Den Daiko (Hand Drum)

Why not make a rabbit den-den daiko (hand drum) using an empty candy box? It’s easy! First, cover the front and sides of the candy box with pink construction paper.

Next, cut out a circle in the center of the back with a craft knife, and make one hole each on the left, right, and bottom sides.

Insert a chopstick into the bottom hole to use as the handle, and thread strings with beads through the left and right holes, securing each with tape.

You can close up the cut-out section on the back at this point.

Finally, attach a rabbit face with ears to the front, and your den-den daiko is complete.

It looks like the rabbit is tapping its tummy—super cute!

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[Paper Plate] Leaf and Acorn Den-den Daiko (Hand Drum)

[Autumn Craft] A Den-Den Daiko Made with Fallen Leaves and Acorns ♪ Handmade Instrument

[Paper Plate] Leaf and Acorn Den-den Daiko (Hand Drum)

Let’s make a lion den-den daiko (pellet drum) using paper plates.

You can use acorns, fallen leaves, and other items you picked up on an autumn walk.

First, tape the fallen leaves around the rim of a paper plate.

Don’t forget to attach a pair of wooden chopsticks as the handle.

Once the leaves and chopsticks are secured, spread glue over the entire paper plate and stick another plate on top.

Finally, add color to the plate with stamps, and draw the lion’s face to finish! You could also use small stones or twigs you found to create the face.

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Handmade ideas for den-den daiko drums. Let’s make and play with this nostalgic toy! (11–20)

[Paper Cup] Daruma Den-den Daiko (Hand Drum)

Hina dolls, den-den daiko, a baby playing with a handmade toy [soothing][baby] #firstchild #parentinglog #Reiwa3baby #borninJune #lifewithababy #baby #livingwithababy #soothing #short #shorts

[Paper Cup] Daruma Den-den Daiko (Hand Drum)

Let’s make a Daruma pellet drum (den-den daiko) easily with a paper cup! First, turn the paper cup upside down and make two holes on opposite sides.

After making the holes, thread yarn with beads tied on the ends through them and secure the yarn inside with tape.

Next, roll origami or construction paper to make a stick, then attach it to the inside bottom and the side of the paper cup.

Finally, decorate the outside of the cup as a Daruma, and you’re done! If you use the popular children’s picture book series “Daruma-san” as a motif, it will look cute and kids are sure to love it!

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[Tape Core] Balloon Den-Den Daiko (hand drum)

Parent-child home time: Let’s make a balloon den-den daiko (drum)! Tongue drum performance

[Tape Core] Balloon Den-Den Daiko (hand drum)

This is a den-den daiko (hand drum) made with balloons and no handle.

The base of the drum is the cardboard core from a used roll of packing tape.

First, prepare two balloons and cut off their necks with scissors.

Then stretch one balloon over each side of the tape core.

The trick is to pull the balloons tight so they’re taut.

Once the balloons are on, secure them with masking tape or similar so they don’t move.

Finally, tie beads to the ends of two pieces of twine and attach one to each side of the core.

It’s done! Hold the bottom of the drum and swing it side to side to make cute “poko-poko” sounds.

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In conclusion

How did you like the handmade den-den daiko ideas? You can keep the design simple, but if you’re making it with kids, it’s also fun to turn the drum part into an animal, or swap the striker bells for beads or acorns. Making a few and enjoying the differences in sound depending on the materials is a great idea, too.