Nostalgic games that were popular when we were kids
Don’t you think kids are truly geniuses at killing time?
During recess or after school, we played all kinds of games every day!
I bet you can instantly think of a few nostalgic games too, right?
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of the games we used to play as kids!
We’ve rounded up nostalgic games that will take you right back to childhood the moment you see them and put a smile on your face.
I’m sure today’s kids would enjoy them too.
You can play together across generations, and we hope this helps you fondly remember those days!
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Nostalgic games that were popular in our childhood (21–30)
Chinese jump rope
Rubber-band jumping is a traditional game that lets children enjoy using their flexibility and sense of rhythm.
A looped rubber band is fixed around the legs of two people, and the jumper hops over the band—above, below, and between it—in various rhythms.
The height and movements vary, starting low and then raising the band to waist or shoulder level to increase the difficulty.
Jumping to a song creates a steady tempo, and everyone around joins in by keeping the rhythm.
There’s no single correct way to jump, which fosters creativity and free thinking.
It’s a smile-filled game whose simple movements and sense of achievement when you succeed appeal to a wide range of ages.
How to play kick the can
Can-kicking is a thrilling game that combines elements of tag and hide-and-seek.
Prepare an empty can or a plastic bottle, draw a circle about one meter in diameter in a playground or open area, and place the can in the center.
While the “it” player counts to 30, the others hide.
The rules are that when “it” finds someone, calls their name, and steps on the circle around the can, that person is out.
However, even if you’re spotted, you’re not out unless “it” steps on the circle before the can is kicked.
If someone who hasn’t been found kicks the can, everyone is revived and “it” loses.
With tactics like disguises to confuse “it,” the game gains strategic depth, and its blend of tension and exhilaration makes it captivating for students of all ages.
Nostalgic games that were popular when we were kids (31–40)
high-jump-style rubber jumping
Let’s get into classic Showa-era games! Here’s an idea for rubber jumping, similar to high jump.
Rubber jumping is the game where you hook a rubber band around your legs, stretch it, and jump over it alternately.
It seems to have been popular mainly among girls during the Showa period.
What you need is flat elastic.
Start with the height at your ankles.
As you get used to it, raise it to your calves, knees, thighs, and then your waist.
If you practice every day, your athletic ability will improve, and you’ll likely be able to clear higher levels over time.
Maze making
If you get tired of solving mazes, I’d love for you to try “maze making.” As the name suggests, it’s a game where you create your own maze.
Many of you might have made tricky mazes and enjoyed them with kids back in the day, right? It may seem difficult, but there are videos showing easy methods that anyone can use to make mazes, so be sure to check them out for reference.
Long Tail Pulling Game
A high-energy, low-contact long tail-tag game.
Each player attaches a long cloth strip or plastic cord to their waist, letting it hang behind them as a “tail.” Once the game starts, everyone runs around trying to grab others’ tails.
Because the tails are long, players can keep their distance while still creating offense and defense, making it fun to strategize without physical contact.
It demands stamina, quick bursts of speed, and keen observation, so younger and older students can compete together on the same field.
The last person whose tail hasn’t been taken is the winner, and despite its simplicity, games often get quite heated.
It’s a cleverly designed activity that balances safety with excitement.
Look that way! (Attchi muite hoi) — a Japanese children’s game phrase similar to ‘Look over there!’ used during the ‘acchi muite hoi’ game.
A game that starts with rock-paper-scissors! Here are some ideas for “Acchi Muite Hoi.” It’s simple yet exciting—a game that’s so fun you can’t help but laugh! After winning rock-paper-scissors, you try to predict which direction your opponent will look to decide the outcome.
In this game, intuition and timing are key.
It’s easy to play with friends or family, and you’ll find yourselves smiling as you go.
Despite its simple rules, it offers surprising twists and strategic mind games, making it a game you’ll want to play again and again.
Slinky
Developed in the United States in the 1940s, the Slinky is commonly known in Japan by names like “Color Spring” and “Rainbow Spring.” Many people of a certain generation probably bought one at festival stalls, and today you can even find them at 100-yen shops.
In recent years, performers using Slinkies have gained worldwide attention, and the spring’s unique motion continues to fascinate audiences across generations.
However, because of its shape, once it gets tangled it can be very difficult to return to normal, so be careful when playing with it.
