Nostalgic games that were popular when we were kids

Hide-and-seek

Hide-and-seek is a classic outdoor game for kids that can be enjoyed regardless of grade level.

While the seeker closes their eyes and counts to 10–30, the other children hide in places where they’re hard to find.

When the counting ends, the seeker looks for the hiders; when one is found, the seeker calls their name and tags them while returning to the starting point.

If the seeker finds everyone, the seeker wins; if someone remains hidden until the end, the hiders win.

The fun lies in clever hiding strategies and the thrill of moving quietly without making noise, and it’s interesting to see how hiding styles differ by age.

It’s a deceptively deep game with simple rules that can be played in schoolyards, parks, or even indoors, and enjoyed by a wide range of ages.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Treasure Hunt

A treasure hunt packed with excitement, where you can savor the fun of discovery and the thrill of achievement.

Hide small prizes or cards, give participants clues or a map, and let the search begin.

Tailor the setup to the play area—such as hiding items widely outdoors—to make it even more engaging.

The joy of finding treasure and the frustration of coming up empty both fuel motivation for the next try, nurturing children’s focus, observation, and reasoning skills.

It can be run as an individual or team competition, and a host’s presentation can boost the game-like feel and even create a story-like world.

It’s an adventure-inspiring activity that draws kids in and keeps them engaged of their own accord.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Big waves, small waves in a long-rope jump

Jump rope with a long rope! #after-school care #outdoor play #long-rope jumping

The “big wave and small wave” version of long rope jumping is a game everyone can enjoy that tests timing and teamwork.

Two people turn the rope, moving it up and down rhythmically, and the jumpers enter in time with the rhythm and jump at the right moment.

For the big wave, the rope is swung up and down in large motions; for the small wave, it’s swung lower and faster—this variation is also recommended.

Counting together out loud boosts a sense of unity, and succeeding creates a strong feeling of togetherness.

As you get used to it, you can add changes to the rhythm or speed up the turns for more advanced play, expanding the ways to enjoy it.

It’s a game that fosters solidarity and a sense of achievement.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Back Telephone (a game like “Chinese whispers” played by tracing on someone’s back)

Yuen Channel (Kids Staff ②: Back Telephone Game 1)

A communication-based game that sparks laughter and surprise: the Back-to-Back Drawing Telephone Game.

A few people line up in a single file.

The person at the front looks at a picture on a sheet of paper and traces it with a finger on the back of the next person to pass it along.

Each person continues the same way in turn, and the last person draws the picture on a whiteboard or similar so everyone can compare the result.

The more accurate the transmitted drawing is, the more surprising it is; if it turns into a completely different picture, it leads to big laughs.

Differences in drawing ability and perception stand out, and the unexpected twists are sure to energize the group.

The rules are simple, it requires minimal materials, and it can be enjoyed in classrooms or indoors.

It’s a game where communication and imagination are put to the test, and the unpredictable ending is part of the fun.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Donut socks

Everyone, do you remember “donut socks”? For those who don’t know, you roll high socks down toward your shoes, folding them as you go.

If you do it well, they end up looking just like a donut.

I don’t know who started it, but it definitely used to be a trend.

If your dress code calls for high socks and it’s hot out, give it a try.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Nostalgic finger guessing game!

A game whose name changes depending on the region: Yubi-suma (Thumbs Up).

It’s said that there are many region-specific calls besides Yubi-suma, too.

The rules are: make fists with both hands and hold them out in front.

Decide the order, and when it’s your turn, say a call like “Yubi-suma, one!” or “Issē no, two!” All players then raise the thumb(s) from one or both fists.

If the number of thumbs raised matches the number you called, you can pull back one of your hands.

The first person to pull back both hands wins.

In some regions, there’s even a rule that allows choosing not to raise any thumbs.

It might only be a brief moment, but waiting to see how many thumbs go up is a real nail-biter.

It’s a simple game, but kids really get into it.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Nakajima Junko

Report a problem

Hyper Yo-Yo

[Heisei’s Finale] I played with Hyper Clusters while looking back on their releases in order! #HyperYoYo

The Hyper Yo-Yo is a competition-oriented evolution of the yo-yo, a toy that has been part of play across various cultures since ancient times.

When it was developed in the 1990s, it became an unprecedented hit, said to be the biggest boom in yo-yo history, with countless competitions being held.

Although its popularity declined for a period, from around 2010 the spread of the internet led to many professional players sharing techniques online, which became a hot topic.

Unfortunately, the product line has now been discontinued, but it was a hit that introduced modern children to the potential and fun of yo-yos.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem