Even with the rise of technology in Japan, kids never failed to play with toys other than their handheld devices. Some children still prefer going outside and playing with their friends, especially with toys that are quite challenging but fun at the same time.
Take a look at these toys which will surely test but also amuse you:
1. Kendama
Probably a challenge to beginners but a no-sweat game for a pro, kendama is a traditional Japanese toy that consists of a ball connected to a sword. Kendama is can be translated to “ken” which means sword and “dama” which means ball. The ball is attached to the wooden sword by a thin rope. The goal is to make the ball shoot into one of the cups in the four sides of the kendama. There are over a thousand ways to play it and the Japanese have been discovering more and more tricks throughout the years.
2. Beigoma
Beigoma is a spinning top which is played by fixing the rope attached to the top and bottom of the top. There are competitions for beigoma in which players attack one another by letting their beigoma hit and whoever stops spinning first will lose and the last beigoma spinning will be the winner. A newer version of the beigoma, or the “Beyblade” is widely renowned in Japan and abroad.
3. Hanetsuki
It is somehow similar to badminton only that the racket used is a wide wooden racket called “Hagoita”. The rules are the same as badminton only there is no need for a net and the shuttlecock is very colorful. There is also a punishment for those who will not hit the target: their faces will be painted.
4. Tako
Japanese handmade kites are truly a sight during the windy season. Both kids and adults make and design their own kites and let them fly across the sky as high as they can. Regions in Japan have different kite shapes. Tokyo’s kite shape is usually rectangular while Nagasaki is famous for their diamond fighter kites. Some regions even have weird shapes for their kites like insects, birds, and animals. A kite competition and festival is also held every fifth of May during Boy’s Day.
Up for a new challenge? These toys can be bought at any toy shop around Japan!
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