[Self-Introduction & Games] Icebreaker Ideas Collection
Are you familiar with “icebreakers”? They’ve become a popular method among business professionals, so if you’re in the workforce, you may have experienced them at least once.
An “icebreaker” is a way to break (or loosen) the stiff atmosphere (the “ice”) when you’re in the same place with people you’re meeting for the first time or haven’t spoken with much.
What do you actually do? Everyone present participates in activities such as game-like self-introductions and games that help shorten the distance with others or create opportunities for people to get to know you.
In this article, we’ll introduce icebreakers that are actually used in practice.
They’re effective for moments like “no one is speaking” or “the atmosphere feels heavy.” Be sure to give them a try!
- Break the ice with intros and team battles! Party games to spice up your welcome event
- Fun games recommended for making friends with people you’ve just met
- [Let’s Get Closer] A Collection of Engaging Questions for Self-Introductions
- [In a Short Time] Icebreakers and Fun Games That Shine at Morning Meetings
- A roundup of recommended icebreakers for college students
- Games you can play with just conversation. Classic and popular activities you can enjoy without any props!
- Icebreakers that get people moving (for both small and large groups)
- A collection of icebreakers you can enjoy with a small group
- [Play Right Away!] Exciting Recreation Games Recommended for Elementary School Students
- A roundup of recommended personality tests for icebreakers
- Icebreaker Ideas and Games Collection
- [Conversation Skills] Get the Crowd Going! A Collection of Talk Theme Ideas
- A collection of hilarious questions that will liven up the conversation and might help you learn more about the other person
[Self-Introduction & Games] Icebreaker Ideas Collection (21–30)
Kanji Self-Introduction
This is an icebreaker game where you express yourself with a single kanji character and explain why.
It’s true—rather than explicitly listing your traits or personality, using concise, instantly understandable words like “雑” (rough/messy) or “絆” (bond) makes it easier for others to remember you.
Taking time to think about it also leads to self-reflection.
Which kanji would you choose for yourself?
Initial self-introduction
An “initials self-introduction” is where you create a self-intro using the initial(s) of your own name.
For example, if your name is Takashi, you could say, “I’m Takashi, who loves tall heights.” It’s easier to remember than simply stating your name.
It’s a great icebreaker idea for elementary school students starting a new class.
[Self-Introduction & Games] Icebreaker Ideas Collection (31–40)
Self-introduction with Karuta
This is a self-introduction game using karuta cards printed with the Japanese syllabary.
Draw one card from the deck and use the character on it as the initial for your self-introduction.
Once you finish one bit, draw again, then expand your talk starting with the new character.
That’s the rule.
The letters come up randomly, of course, but if your story still connects smoothly, people might go, “Whoa!”
In conclusion
How was it? Icebreakers are simple enough for anyone to do, so you can try them with confidence even when many people don’t know each other.
If you’ve never done or used icebreakers before, give them a try.
That tense silence where no one speaks will surely ease through fun self-introductions and games.