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NIPPONIA No.26 September 15, 2003
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Kendama
A kendama is a wooden toy known all over the world. Records show that the game came to Japan from China about 200 years ago. A number of skills are required. Flick the ball up so that it lands in the smallest cup, then the largest, then the medium-sized one, in that order. Then toss the ball so that its hole slides over the pointed tip. Next, see who can do this the fastest. To make it even more challenging, hold the ball with the hole facing up, then pitch the handle into the air and make the pointed end land in the hole. Adults also like the game, some so much that they join kendama clubs.
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Daruma-san ga koronda
One person is "it". Instead of counting to ten, "it" says, "Daruma-san ga koronda."(In fact, there are 10 syllables in the sentence, which means, "The daruma doll fell over.") For the other players, the object of the game is to get close to whoever is "it" without him seeing them move.
How to play
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(1) |
The person who is "it" faces away from the other players with his eyes shut. "It" says "Daruma-san ga koronda" quickly, and then turns around as quickly as possible, opening his eyes. While "it" is saying the phrase, the other players move closer to him. Just before "it" turns around, the players must freeze. |
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(2) |
If "it" sees a player moving, that player must hold hands with "it." |
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If a player successfully reaches "it" without getting caught, he or she slaps "it" on the back, then everyone except "it" runs away. However, if "it" is holding hands with one or more captured players, the attacker tries to break their hands apart with the side of his hand. Then everyone except "it" runs away. |
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(4) |
When "it" shouts "Tomare!"("Stop!"), everybody must freeze. |
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If "it" tags one of them by taking no more than three steps, the two switch places. |
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Hanaichimonme
This is an outdoor game for many people. Everyone sings a short ditty while playing.
How to play
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(1) |
Divide into two groups of equal number. Players in each group hold hands in a line, facing their opponents. One player in one group does jan-ken (rock, paper, scissors) against a player in the other group. The winning group walks toward their opponents, singing "Katte ureshii hanaichimonme," which means they are happy to have won the round. The other group steps backward. |
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(2) |
The group that backed up now moves toward their opponents, singing, "Makete kuyashii hanaichimonme," which means "We hate to lose." The winning group backs up this time. |
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Players in each group discuss which player they want from the other group. |
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The two players so chosen from opposing groups play rock, paper, scissors. The loser joins the other group. The game and singing continue until only one person is left in one of the groups, and that person loses rock, paper, scissors. |
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