How to play Ohajiki
We’re introducing a variety of ways to play with ohajiki.
Like beanbags and marbles, ohajiki have long been popular as a traditional toy and pastime.
You’re probably familiar with the classic game where you flick the pieces with your finger to make them collide.
This time, we’ve gathered not only flicking games, but also fun ways to play that don’t involve flicking.
If you want to play with ohajiki or learn new ways to use them, be sure to check this out.
It’s packed with the many charming qualities of ohajiki!
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How to Play Ohajiki (11–20)
Surface Tension Game
It may look really plain, but as the water gets right up to the brim, everyone suddenly slows down when dropping marbles into the cup, and that nail-biting, neck-and-neck tension is exactly what makes this game so fun! On a rainy day when you’ve got nothing to do, why not give this game a try? It seems like something kids and adults can enjoy together.
And wow, it’s been a while since I’ve actually said the words “surface tension.” Nostalgic.
Ohajiki Art
Ohajiki come in all sorts of mixed colors, they’re small and cute, and when light passes through them they sparkle beautifully.
Beyond being toys, with an aroma candle or a small creative touch they can also serve as an interior accent.
Incorporating the ohajiki you were obsessed with as a child into your art has its own charm and is lovely, too.
Do you have any ohajiki sleeping in the back of your storage at home?
to use for playing house
Once it lands in a child’s hands, even a marble can instantly become a delicious meal! Fried rice, curry, omelet rice—kids become chefs and freely create all kinds of dishes.
Make-believe play can leave adults surprised and even overwhelmed by children’s imagination, can’t it? When playing with kids, adults should dive in too—use your imagination and all five senses, and play to your heart’s content!
Color Sorting Game
One of the great things about color-sorting with ohajiki (glass counters) is that each child can enjoy it in their own way! Some line up the colors neatly, others mix them up to make a colorful pattern, and some combine colors to create flowers or clouds.
There’s no single correct answer, so the possibilities are endless with free imagination.
It’s a new discovery for us to learn from children that even a single ohajiki can be used in so many different ways.
Underwater Marble-Dropping Game
Fill a large tank with plenty of water and place cups or other containers inside it.
This is a game where you drop small glass counters (ohajiki) from above and try to land them in the containers underwater.
It looks easy, but once the counters enter the water, sometimes they drop straight down with a plop, and other times they drift gently and change direction as they fall.
You’ll find yourself peering into the water, completely absorbed.
This game is fun for everyone—kids and adults alike.
You can assign higher points to smaller containers, compete on how many counters you can get into the containers, and enjoy it in lots of different ways.
Ohajiki Carrying
This is a game where you use chopsticks to pick up and carry small ohajiki (game pieces).
Some people might have practiced using chopsticks with ohajiki when they were little.
It’s great that you can learn chopstick skills and counting in a playful way! It’s surprisingly tricky even for adults, so it can be fun to compete with everyone.
For small children, using a fork instead of chopsticks is also an option!
In conclusion
We introduced some games you can play with ohajiki (small glass counters).
Did you find any that caught your interest? In fact, besides flicking them, there are many different ways to play with ohajiki.
If you have some at home, take this opportunity to try various games.
They’re fun for everyone—siblings, parents and children, or grandparents and grandchildren—regardless of age!