Fun Setsubun Activities for Childcare: A Collection of Exciting Games and Craft Ideas
When it comes to Setsubun, bean-throwing is the classic activity, but many teachers at daycare centers and kindergartens may be wondering what kinds of games to include.
Especially for very young children like one-year-olds, it’s important to come up with ideas they can enjoy without being scared.
So here, we’ve gathered a variety of play and game ideas perfect for Setsubun.
From oni target-throwing and bowling to treasure hunts, these are all ideas that will bring smiles to children’s faces.
Many can be prepared with materials you already have on hand, so please feel free to use them as a reference!
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Fun Setsubun Activities in Childcare! A Collection of Exciting Game and Craft Ideas (31–40)
Panel Theater: “Let’s Defeat the Oni in Our Hearts”
This is a panel theater that also explains the origins of Setsubun! Why do we throw beans? What is “holly and sardines” for? It thoroughly answers those pure questions children have.
As the story unfolds, characters like the “Lazy Ogre,” “Grumpy Ogre,” and “Crybaby Ogre,” who live in the characters’ hearts, appear.
Let’s drive these ogres away one by one by throwing beans.
And after driving out the ogres, we invite in good fortune! You could also have the children think about what kind of ogres might live inside themselves.
Gymnastics! The Tango of the Red Ogre and the Blue Ogre
Let’s try dancing to “The Tango of the Red Ogre and the Blue Ogre”! Since it has solid choreography, it’s also great as a performance for Setsubun events.
After tapping your knees and shoulders, quickly open both arms overhead, or keep both arms extended to the sides and do a one-foot jump with a full turn.
The powerful moves match the song perfectly and are part of the appeal.
If two or more people are dancing, it’s nice to show off each person’s signature pose.
The choreography itself repeats, so kids can imitate it and have fun dancing along.
How do we convey Setsubun?
Many of you may be wondering how best to explain Setsubun to children.
If that’s the case, please use this story as a reference.
Why is Setsubun in February? Why do we hang hiragi-iwashi (holly and sardines) on the front door? What kind of beans are used to drive away ogres? This content provides clear answers to those questions.
It’s explained while showing illustrations in a sketchbook, so it should be easy for children to understand.
Setsubun Dance “The Oni’s Underpants”
If you’re going to dance for Setsubun, how about “Oni no Pantsu”? It’s such a famous song that it’s the first one that comes to mind when you think of oni songs.
Oni are strong, and the underwear they wear is super tough too! They say it won’t rip even after ten years.
Let’s move our bodies to this unique and fun “Oni no Pantsu.” Just like in hand-play games, use clapping and the peace sign to represent the word “pantsu.” When expressing strength, make fists with both hands.
I think it would be lovely to dance dressed like an oni, too!
How to Make a Bean-Counting Game
A bean-toss game like basketball.
If you’re looking for a bean-throwing game that doesn’t involve scattering real beans—which are a pain to clean up and take up space—this activity is perfect.
Cut open one side of a milk carton and cover the outside with colored construction paper.
Fold the opened flap and secure it with vinyl tape.
Make horns and head parts from construction paper, attach them to paper cups, and draw an ogre’s face.
You can adjust the difficulty by changing the size of the paper cups, so it’s good to make several in different sizes.
Glue a plastic bottle cap to the bottom of the milk carton to create an incline, make your “beans,” and you’re done.
The feeling when a bean lands in the goal is sure to be addictive!
Fun Setsubun Activities in Childcare! A Collection of Exciting Game and Craft Ideas (41–50)
Roll it! Throw it! Demon-slaying
Here’s an idea that lets kids move their bodies—throwing or rolling toward a target—while also enjoying a seasonal event.
Prepare five plastic bottles, some string, and origami paper, and make ogre (oni) faces with the origami.
It’s more fun with a variety of colors, so let them choose their favorites.
Encourage them to draw freely—smiling, angry, or crying faces—so their individuality can shine.
Attach string to each ogre face and secure it to a plastic bottle by fixing it under the cap, and you’re done.
Roll or throw a ball to knock down the plastic-bottle pins.
Making toys fosters imagination and gives a sense of accomplishment.
Above all, kids will feel attached to what they’ve made and learn to value their belongings.
Cute tissue-paper! Oni mask
An ogre mask featuring tissue-paper hair as a key accent is a perfect item to enliven February’s bean-throwing event! Make the base of the mask with red or blue construction paper.
Crumple tissue paper into balls and glue them onto the base.
To create a three-dimensional hair effect, it’s best to scrunch the paper before attaching it.
Make the eyes and horns using construction paper and crayons.
Once you’ve also made the nose, cheeks, and fangs, stick them onto the mask.
Connect a piece of thick paper with double-sided tape to two rubber bands, and you’re done! Create unique ogres—smiling, crying, angry—and enjoy Setsubun.