[For Seniors] June-Themed Activities: Recommended Recreation and Game Collection

What is the weight of the largest frog in the world?

Release Goliath frogs into a giant pool

In June, during the rainy season, we often see frogs.

You might spot them less frequently nowadays, but you can still hear their calls—sometimes even a full frog chorus from somewhere nearby.

Frogs have long been familiar to us, and there are many different species.

Among them is the Goliath frog, the largest frog in the world.

Its body alone is about 30 cm long, and when its limbs are stretched out, it exceeds 80 cm; astonishingly, it can weigh up to 3 kg! Let’s turn the Goliath frog’s weight into a quiz question.

Try asking people to guess, roughly, how much it weighs: “About how much do you think it weighs?” and collect their answers.

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utatane

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mizumanju (a Japanese chilled translucent rice flour dumpling, often with sweet bean paste)

[Elderly Recreation] Rec Craftsman Series Part 128: “Mizu Manju (Water Dumplings)”

June 19 is Wagashi Day, right? How about trying your hand at making traditional Japanese sweets to celebrate? I especially recommend making mizu manju.

Mizu manju are chilled dumplings made by wrapping sweet red bean paste (anko) in a translucent dough, then cooling them in cold water or in the refrigerator.

The process is fun, and it’s also great for cooling down in this hot and humid season.

Since there are quite a few steps involved, doing some prep by watching YouTube tutorials will help you make them smoothly.

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yamamoto

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What symbols are used for rain forecasts overseas?

[July 7 Weather Forecast] Rainy season skies; periods of heavier rain expected tomorrow

In June, when there are many rainy days, checking the weather forecast before going out is essential, isn’t it? The weather is represented by icons like a sun or an umbrella, and the key point is that you can tell the day’s weather just by looking at the picture.

In Japan, these icons are used in forecasts, but what kinds of symbols are used to represent rain in weather forecasts overseas? Abroad, rainy days are most often shown with a “rain cloud,” an icon of raindrops falling from a cloud, which can feel harder to read for Japanese viewers.

Let’s also note that few countries use an umbrella icon, and learn about how weather is expressed differently from country to country.

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kappamaki

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ball toss (traditional Japanese beanbag/ball-throwing game)

[Day Service] Ball-Toss Battle!

Tamaire, the ball-toss game often seen at school sports days.

Some older adults may have played it at sports festivals in the past, too.

Here’s a perfect activity for June that gets the body moving: tamaire.

Because it’s familiar, it can help older adults refresh their mood and relieve stress.

Have participants sit in chairs and place a basket in the center.

Prepare red and white balls, and have them toss the balls into the basket.

The person who gets the most balls into the basket wins.

Throwing uses the arms and shoulders, making it a good upper-body exercise.

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Nakajima Junko

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Quick brain training, “Ready, set!” game

No prep needed for senior recreation or props! Simple and exciting! Ready, set, go! Game

Here’s an easy brain-training game you can do while seated, with no preparation needed.

Pair up in twos.

When one person calls out a number—like “Ready, five!”—both players raise their hands or feet.

If the total number of raised hands and feet matches the number that was called, it’s correct.

You can make it more game-like by intentionally raising more limbs to throw off your partner’s guess and have fun while training your brain.

Creating a cheerful atmosphere where mistakes lead to laughter is also key.

Since raising hands and feet doubles as light exercise, try it together with older adults.

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Nakajima Junko

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