Get this excited with no props! A collection of Japanese play ideas
Looking for games you can enjoy without any equipment? In Japan, there are actually many unique games that have long been shaped by creativity and ingenuity.
In this article, we’ll introduce Japanese games like Daruma-san ga Koronda and Kotorokotorō—simple rules, no gear needed, and fun anytime, anywhere.
They’re perfect for big groups, involve running or a bit of thinking, and naturally deepen communication with friends.
Experience these Japanese games where nostalgia and freshness coexist!
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This much fun without any equipment! A collection of Japanese play ideas (11–20)
Inside-out pots!
Pair up in groups of two, face each other, and hold hands.
While singing the children’s song “Nabe Nabe Sokonuke,” swing both hands side to side.
When the song reaches the part that says “kaerimashou” (“let’s go back”), go under your joined hands and turn so you are back-to-back.
If you can get back-to-back without letting go of hands, you’ve succeeded.
Next, try returning from back-to-back to the original position.
If a pair lets go, start again from the beginning.
If there’s a big height difference, it can be tricky, so it helps if the taller person sits down.
Hana Ichi Monme
Once you split into two groups, each group forms a single line and faces the other.
Hold hands with members of your own group and sing “Hana Ichimonme.” When Group One moves forward, Group Two moves backward.
Repeat this motion alternately.
Don’t forget to kick your leg on the “me.” When the song ends, each group discusses and decides whom they want to recruit from the other group.
Once decided, declare “We want [Name]!” The two people whose names are called play rock–paper–scissors.
The loser joins the winner’s group.
The game ends when one group has no members left.
Tōryanse
“Tōryanse” is played along with the song.
Choose two taggers from among the participants; they join hands to make an arch.
The remaining children form a circle and, in turn, pass under the arch to the rhythm of the song.
When the song ends, the taggers drop their arms and catch the child who is under the arch.
The caught child switches places with one of the taggers.
You can vary the play by changing the song’s speed or by having the children link together like a train as they pass under the arch.
As the song nears the end, everyone may start to feel rushed, but be careful not to run or push the person in front of you.
kotoro-kotoro (onomatopoeic; a light rattling/rolling sound)
“Kotorokotoro” is a type of tag with a rule where you protect the child at the end of the line from the chaser.
Form a team of about five people: one is the chaser (oni), and the rest are the children.
The children line up in a single file, placing both hands on the shoulders of the person in front.
The child at the front crosses their arms and places their hands on their chest.
When the game begins, the chaser aims for the child at the very back.
The chaser wins if they touch the last child or if anyone in the line lets go of their hands.
It builds team skills and is a recommended game that even kids who aren’t good at running can enjoy.
Rock-paper-scissors Glico
Let’s play an advanced version of regular rock-paper-scissors: Rock-Paper-Scissors Guriko! First, decide the start and goal positions.
If you’re playing outside, it’s a good idea to draw circles or lines on the ground.
Do rock-paper-scissors with a chant, and if you win with Rock, say “Glico” and move forward the same number of steps as the letters; if you win with Paper, say “Pineapple”; if you win with Scissors, say “Chocolate,” moving forward by the number of letters in the word you say.
The cute candy and fruit words make the game exciting! You can also expand the game by adding a fun penalty for the loser.
Sitting tag
How about trying a seated game of tag that you can play indoors? First, choose who’s “it,” and have everyone—including the tagger—start in a seated position.
It’s best if people are spaced a little apart.
The rule is that everyone must keep their bottoms on the floor even while moving.
Moving while your bottom stays on the floor is tricky and slows you down more than you’d think—that frustrating feeling is what makes it so fun.
Since you can’t move very far, you can enjoy it in a small space.
Give it a try!
In conclusion
Japanese games are full of clever ideas that let you have fun without any equipment. There are games where everyone moves their bodies and cooperates together, and games where you hold hands and naturally deepen your bonds—everything brings out smiles. Enjoy the full charm of Japanese play with friends you get along with!