[Childcare] February Setsubun Bean-Throwing! A Fun Collection of Oni Craft Ideas
As Setsubun approaches, creating oni-themed crafts becomes one of the fun activities at nurseries and kindergartens.
For two-year-olds, the experience of making something with their own hands is a very important time.
Coloring, sticking on parts, enjoying the feel of different materials—through these kinds of activities, their interest in seasonal events deepens significantly.
Here, we’ve gathered plenty of oni craft ideas perfect for Setsubun, from masks and bean containers to unique play items.
Make this year’s Setsubun even more fun together with the children! Note: In this article, we use the term “seisaku” (制作) to refer to children’s creations as “works.”
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[Childcare] February Setsubun Bean-Throwing! Fun Oni (Demon) Craft Ideas (51–60)
Paper hanging ornaments
It’s a perfect idea for Setsubun wall decorations! In this idea, you’ll use strips of construction paper measuring 29 cm by 2 cm to make the decorations.
Here’s how to make them: roll the paper to create the ogre’s hair, and by creasing the paper and then gluing both ends together, you can form the ogre’s face.
If you fold it to make a triangle, you can also create the horns.
If you make an Okame mask along with the ogre, the piece will feel even more like Setsubun.
When hanging it on the wall, use the paper strip as the base and attach the ogre and Okame parts you made, along with washi-patterned origami as accents.
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!
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.
Demon-slaying pretend play
Wouldn’t it be great to enjoy a demon-slaying pretend play using familiar scrap materials? This time, let’s play with toilet paper rolls.
Make balls by crumpling newspaper.
Secure any parts that stick out with tape.
Cover the toilet paper rolls with construction paper to resemble oni (demons).
Use any color you like for the face, and of course make the pants yellow! Attach hair and horns, then draw patterns on the face and pants to finish.
Enjoy “Oni Bowling” by throwing the newspaper balls to knock them down.
Making lots of oni and stacking them up is fun too.
There are also ideas using cardboard and balloon-based demon-slaying games, so be sure to check those out for inspiration.
[Childcare] February Setsubun Bean-Throwing! Fun Oni (Demon) Craft Ideas (61–70)
Production that can also create a demon-slaying game
Here’s a two-in-one idea that’s fun for both crafting and play: an oni (ogre) bean-throwing game for Setsubun.
Cut solid-color or patterned origami paper and glue it onto a paper tube.
Using various patterns and colors will make it bright and cute.
Make horns with gold origami, and crumple tissue paper to create hair and attach it.
Draw the face with colored pens, and make “beans” from tissue paper to finish.
Both the crafting process and playing with your own creation will make wonderful memories.
It’s also great that you can make it with items from a 100-yen shop or with recycled materials—give it a try!
Oni Target-Throwing Game
It’s a target game with demon faces that pop back up no matter how many times you hit them with a ball! Prepare two identical demon illustrations, avoid the center line, and glue them back-to-back.
Next, make a hole in the top of a capsule toy capsule and pack clay into the bottom half.
Close the capsule, insert a bamboo skewer from the top, and fit the glued demon illustration onto the skewer—done! For the balls, we recommend using soft materials, such as rings made by slicing a toilet paper roll and assembling them into a circle, or crumpled newspaper.
ogre mask
February, when the winter chill feels especially sharp, is the perfect time for indoor craft activities.
Making masks inspired by the ogres (oni) that appear during Setsubun is a wonderful opportunity to spark children’s creativity.
Cut out horns and eyes from colorful origami or craft paper, and stick them onto faces together with the kids.
It’s also fun to use paints to create vibrant expressions.
Then, on Setsubun day, they can wear their oni masks and enjoy an energetic bean-throwing celebration.
It will be a heartwarming craft that families and guardians are sure to appreciate.