Have fun with classic Showa-era games! Simple yet profoundly engaging traditional pastimes
There are surprisingly many things we used to be able to do but can’t anymore, aren’t there?
Times change every day, and the way children play has changed too.
Games and videos are great, but wouldn’t it be nice if they could find other kinds of fun as well? I’m sure many of you feel that way.
So this time, we’ve rounded up a variety of Showa-era games!
A big collection of simple yet absorbing activities you can enjoy indoors or outdoors!
Showa-era games are also a great way to experience Japanese culture, so be sure to enjoy them with your kids.
- Hand games that liven things up for seniors—also great brain training
- [For Seniors] Have Fun! A Collection of Group Game Recreation Ideas
- [For Seniors] Nostalgic! Showa-Era Quizzes Recommended for Reminiscence Therapy
- The Complete Guide to Showa-Era Toys: From Showa retro to toys still loved today
- A must-see for the Showa generation! Nostalgic popular snacks from the old days
- Special feature on popular anime from the Showa era. Looking back at the hit shows of the time!
- [For Seniors] Enjoyable While Seated! Ball Exercises and Recreation
- [Nostalgic Showa Fashion] The changing trends that feel both nostalgic and fresh
- A roundup of nostalgic Showa-era home appliances, including rare ones you don’t see anymore!
- Nostalgic foods of the Showa era. Let’s trace the memorable flavors and the memories they evoke.
- Nostalgic ice cream from the Showa era. From today’s classic staples to old-time favorites.
- [For Seniors] Recommended for Brain Training! Nostalgic Showa-Era Quiz
- Heartwarming nostalgia: scenes of Showa-era streets that bring back memories.
Have fun with Showa-era games! Simple yet profound traditional pastimes (11–20)
dodgeball
Dodgeball is enjoyed not only as play but also as a competitive sport.
You can play it outdoors, of course, and indoors in a gym as well.
The court is divided into two halves, and each team’s members take their side.
One player from each team starts outside the court to begin the game.
Throw the ball at opponents inside the court—if you hit someone, that’s OK! The person who gets hit goes outside the court and then tries to tag players inside from the outside.
When someone outside hits a player inside, the thrower can return to their own side of the court.
The team that manages to send all opponents outside wins.
Since hits to the face don’t count as outs and are dangerous, avoid throwing at the face.
In conclusion
Showa-era games are really profound—you can use a single item in many different ways and even tweak the rules to enjoy them in new ways.
They engage both body and mind and seem likely to have a positive impact on children.
Many of them are low-cost to try, so take this opportunity to experience some Showa-era play!