Let's make a DIY Fukuwarai! Simple ideas for fun with kids
Fukuwarai is one of the classic games that gets everyone excited with family and friends during the New Year.
But when you actually try to make one, you might find yourself wondering, “What should I use as the theme?” or “Isn’t there a more fun idea?” In fact, fukuwarai isn’t limited to traditional Okame and Hyottoko faces—you can handcraft it with free ideas like popular characters, Santa Claus, or even family photos! In this article, we’ll introduce unique, crowd-pleasing DIY fukuwarai ideas you can enjoy not only during the New Year, but in any season.
They’re all easy to make, so give them a try!
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Let’s Make a DIY Fukuwarai! Simple Ideas to Play with Kids (1–10)
Santa Fukuwarai
There’s a saying, “Good fortune comes to the laughing gate.” In line with that, there’s a theory that the game Fukuwarai became popular because “it’s lucky for everyone to laugh together from New Year’s.” If the Christmas season is approaching, a Santa Claus-themed Fukuwarai would be great too.
The classic paper version is nice, but if you have time, why not make a “3D Santa Fukuwarai”? Use cotton for the beard, felt for the eyebrows, ping-pong balls for the eyes—make all the parts three-dimensional.
A slightly different take on Fukuwarai sounds like fun, doesn’t it?
Pikachu’s fukuwarai
Many children love the anime Pokémon, right? That’s why I recommend a Pikachu fukuwarai.
Its cute appearance makes it something even small children can enjoy trying.
However, some people might think it looks hard to make because Pikachu’s design is complex.
In fact, printable data for a Pikachu fukuwarai is available as a papercraft.
So even those who aren’t good at drawing can use it with confidence.
Okame’s Lucky-Face Game
When it comes to classic fukuwarai, Okame is the go-to! Okame’s distinctive chubby, rounded face used to be considered the ideal of beauty.
Draw a gourd-shaped outline on paper with a center-parted hairstyle.
Separately, draw the eyes, nose, eyebrows, small puckered mouth, and cheeks, then cut out all the parts.
After that, just put on a blindfold and arrange them on Okame’s face.
With just a few colors like black, red, and pink, you can draw and make a fukuwarai in no time—give it a quick try and have fun with everyone!
Let’s make a handmade Fukuwarai! Simple ideas to play with kids (11–20)
Daruma Fuku-warai
A New Year–style Daruma fukuwarai game.
Paste a Daruma onto a backing sheet, then fill the surrounding blank space with decorations so the focus stays on the face—now you’re ready.
While blindfolded, place the parts—eyes, mouth, eyebrows, and so on—onto the face.
Playing while giving hints like “A little more to the right!” can also help children learn left and right.
If they don’t like being blindfolded, simply closing their eyes is perfectly fine.
Give verbal prompts as you play so they can focus their attention on their fingertips while enjoying the game.
Fukuwarai of Anpanman
Even children who aren’t very interested in fukuwarai will surely enjoy it if it’s an Anpanman version.
Since Anpanman is a character known by people of all ages, it’s also perfect for playing with grandparents.
It’s also a good idea to make fukuwarai sets featuring Anpanman’s friends, such as Baikinman, Shokupanman, and Dokin-chan.
Depending on the child’s age, they may have more fun without a blindfold, so please take that into consideration as well.
Fukuwarai for Halloween
Fukuwarai is a game traditionally played during the New Year holidays, but there’s no rule that says you can’t play it at other times! It’s a game you can enjoy all year round.
If you want to enjoy Fukuwarai at Halloween, we recommend a Halloween pumpkin version.
Anything with a face can be turned into a Fukuwarai game.
Make a base out of orange construction paper and create the facial parts with black construction paper.
Watching a scary pumpkin face transform into all sorts of expressions is sure to be lots of fun!
Photo Fukuwarai
When you want to have a lively, fun time with your family, we recommend playing Fukuwarai using photos! It’s super easy to make.
Print out a large photo of a family member.
Cut out the facial features, then replace the face area with a backing sheet in the same skin tone.
And that’s it—your photo-based Fukuwarai is ready.
You’re sure to burst out laughing when you see the funny faces that result.
Plus, using photos gives you a chance to look back on shared memories.
It’s a Fukuwarai game that brings a family time full of smiles.