A roundup of topics for the Yamanote Line game: funny prompts everyone can laugh at
When it comes to classic rhythm games, the Yamanote Line Game is a staple.
It’s a game where players say words that fit a given theme in time with the rhythm, and anyone who misses the beat or can’t answer is out.
Because it requires no equipment and can be played anywhere, it’s popular with all ages!
In this article, we’ll introduce a variety of themes you can use for the Yamanote Line Game.
We’ve gathered themes that everyone can enjoy, including the standard go-to topics, prompts that will get laughs, and ones that help deepen friendships.
If you’re stuck choosing a theme, be sure to use this as a reference!
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Yamanote Line Game Topic Roundup: Funny Prompts Everyone Can Laugh At (1–10)
The names of Doraemon’s gadgets
Doraemon is a nationally beloved anime that everyone knows.
One of its biggest highlights is the secret gadgets that Doraemon pulls out in every episode.
Wouldn’t it be fun to use those secret gadgets as a theme for the Yamanote Line game? Instead of well-known gadgets like the Anywhere Door, the key will be how many obscure ones you can name.
It might be a good idea to review the manga or anime beforehand.
And while you’re at it, try sharing some trivia about what each gadget does.
Sushi Menu
Let’s use sushi menus—one of the most beloved icons of Japanese cuisine, adored by people around the world—as our theme! Even just the classics like tuna and salmon come in many varieties, and if we add the unique creations that popular sushi restaurants come up with every day, the list could go on forever.
To make it more challenging, you could even limit it to the menu of a specific sushi restaurant.
It’s a prompt that sushi lovers will enjoy, and even those who don’t eat it often might be able to clear it just by naming different kinds of fish.
The good points of ◯◯
It’s a cheerful prompt where you say nice things about someone—like a friend or partner.
Your everyday behavior toward people around you might have a big impact on how long the game keeps going… Of course, you can talk about the good points of the people who are there and playing with you, but it might also be fun to say nice things about someone who isn’t there and later show them a video of the session.
If someone present becomes the subject, they’ll have to list their own good qualities too, which could be a bit embarrassing.
The longer it continues, the more it feels like your happiness gauge keeps filling up.
Yamanote Line Game topic roundup: funny prompts (11–20) that everyone can laugh at
Name of the insect
For people who don’t like bugs, this niche “Yamanote Line Game” topic—bugs—isn’t exactly recommended.
It’s not what you’d call a classic choice, but since there are so many types of bugs, it might actually get surprisingly lively.
Try thinking of all the different bugs you see around you! Insects count as bugs too, so keeping that in mind really broadens the range.
It might give an advantage to bug-loving experts, but you can learn about all kinds of bugs, so it’s educational for kids—a real two birds with one stone.
Prefecture names
Japan is made up of 1 metropolis, 1 circuit, 2 urban prefectures, and 43 prefectures.
Let’s use those prefectures as the theme for a “Yamanote Line Game” and get the excitement going! Since there are only 47 prefectures, it’ll likely turn into a first-come, first-served scramble to claim them.
If you can’t name one, or you repeat one that’s already been said, you’re out on the spot—so picture a map of Japan in your head, plan your strategy, and jump in! It’s a topic that people from elementary school age to adults can enjoy, so it should be great fun with friends or family.
Names of vegetables
A classic topic that people of all ages—from kids to adults—can enjoy is “vegetables,” don’t you think? You might run into the age-old debate over whether something is a vegetable or a fruit, but that just adds to the fun! From popular choices to more obscure ones, those who know lots of vegetable names might have the advantage.
Start by recalling vegetables you’ve eaten or ones you dislike, and try to brainstorm from there.
Since you can learn a variety of vegetable types, it’s a great topic for vegetable lovers and cooking enthusiasts alike!
Things related to the seasons
Topics that can get everyone excited across generations are those related to the seasons.
For example, in winter you could go with things like snow or igloos.
With prompts like these, anyone can think of something, so they’re perfect for playing the Yamanote Line Game with any group.
Another plus is that it’s easy to segue into a conversation about the season after the game ends.
If the conversation stalls, give this a try.
Also, as a variation, you can use seasonal events instead of the seasons themselves as the theme.
Look for events that fit the time, like Christmas or New Year’s.