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Let's make a DIY Fukuwarai! Simple ideas for fun with kids

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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!”
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!

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!

Let’s make a homemade Fukuwarai! Simple ideas for playing with kids (31–40)

Facial Expression Fukuwarai

Smiling face, angry face—let’s play with expressions! How do you feel? Educational play; face play with all kinds of faces; joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure—let’s be expressive ❤︎ #442

Facial Expression Fukuwarai

“All-nighter, sleep-deprived face,” “Startled by how sour a pickled plum is,” and other prompts that describe expressions can be turned into a game where you arrange facial features to match the theme—an Expression Fukuwarai.

It’s a fun, unique twist on the classic game! With this version, even when you try to make a smiling face, it might end up looking sad, which will have everyone on edge and laughing together.

Start with simple prompts, and once you get the hang of it, switch to more complex ones—like “Trying to eat a dish you dislike without letting anyone notice”—to make it even more exciting!

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In conclusion

Fukuwarai can be easily made with familiar materials.

From the classic Okame face to seasonal motifs and your favorite characters, the variations are endless depending on your ideas! The thrill of playing blindfolded and the moments you can’t help but laugh at the resulting expressions will brighten special times with family and friends.

Enjoy a warm, handmade touch and spend a moment full of smiles.