Traditional Games: Fun Old-Time Play. Popular Activities Useful in Childcare
Traditional folk games that have long been loved in Japan are packed with timeless charms that captivate children across generations.
Because folk games let us experience old cultures and local traditions, we want to pass many of these games from adults down to children.
In this feature, we’ll introduce a wide variety of such time-honored folk games.
We’ve gathered many activities kids can truly get absorbed in—everything from physical games, to ones using traditional toys like ohajiki (small playing pieces) and stilts, to word- and song-based games like karuta and chachatsubo.
We hope you’ll incorporate them in nursery schools and kindergartens and enjoy them together with the children.
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[Traditional Games] Fun Old-Time Play: Popular Activities for Childcare (11–20)
chacha jar
“Chacha Tsubo” is a simple yet surprisingly challenging hand game even for adults.
Its appeal is that it needs no equipment and can be enjoyed indoors.
You pretend your left hand is a tea jar and, in time with the song, quickly switch between your right and left hands—great for brain training, too! Once you get used to it, you might speed up the tempo.
Be careful not to get your hands tangled and give it a try! It also sounds fun to compete for speed with friends or family.
It’s a traditional game that people of all ages—from children to seniors—can enjoy.
origami
Origami, which can be called a part of Japanese culture, is also popular with people from other countries! All you need is a single sheet of paper, and its depth is part of the charm—there are countless folding methods, to the point where it feels like you can make almost anything.
Young children can start with simple motifs and gradually try more difficult folds as they get older.
It helps develop fine motor skills and creativity! There are also many YouTube videos that explain how to fold characters, dinosaurs, animals, plants, weapons, and more in detail, so be sure to use them as a reference!
Fukuwarai (a traditional Japanese “lucky laugh” face-making game)
“Fukuwarai” is a traditional game that families can enjoy together during the New Year.
You play by blindfolding yourself and placing facial parts—eyes, mouth, nose, eyebrows, and so on—onto a sheet of paper with an outline of a face.
The funny part is that, because you’re blindfolded, the face rarely turns out the way you intended! In addition to the classic analog version played on paper, the game has evolved in recent years to include web-based versions and even ones included in robot toys.
So why not try it with your family or friends—not just during the New Year, but anytime?
bamboo-copter
Take a nostalgic trip back to childhood with the “taketombo,” a traditional toy modeled after a dragonfly.
It’s so popular that there are even competitions to see who can make it fly the farthest.
You can actually make one by cutting bamboo yourself, so crafting and flying one with your child could be a great activity.
Playing with a taketombo you made yourself makes it all the more special! Of course, you can also buy them online in folk craft sections or as DIY kits, so be sure to check those out.
Don’t miss the modern versions, too—safe plastic models and even ones that light up!
stilts
Takeuma, or “bamboo horses,” are traditional toys that use bamboo poles as makeshift stilts.
Many people may remember playing with them in elementary school.
They’re a fun way to develop balance and core strength, so why not incorporate them into everyday play? For children, steel or aluminum models with high durability, or lightweight bamboo versions that are easy for kids to handle, are recommended.
In any case, choosing the right size to match your child’s height and build is best.
Beginners can play more safely with models that have support feet.