What traditional games tell us about Japan

Traditional Japanese games remain an important part of Japan’s cultural background. Many of these games are still played during the New Year, local events, school activities, and family gatherings. They reflect long-standing Japanese ideas about learning, balance, and enjoyment. This article introduces several traditional games that most, if not all, Japanese people would recognize and explains why they remain meaningful today.

Tōsenkyō

Tōsenkyō is a traditional indoor game that became popular during the Edo period. Players throw a folding fan (sensu or ougi in Japanese) at a small target placed on a stand, and points are given based on how the fan and target fall. Although the action itself is simple, the result depends on careful control of strength and angle. Different groups use different scoring methods. Beyond competition, the game is known for its calm atmosphere and graceful movement. These features are often linked to Japanese preferences for quiet focus and attention to detail.

Karuta & Hanafuda

Karuta is a widely known card game in Japan. One person reads a card aloud, and players quickly find and take the matching card. A well-known version uses classical poems called Hyakunin Isshu (百人一首) and is often played during the New Year. Karuta is popular because people of different ages can play together. The game develops listening skills, memory, and quick decision-making. It also provides a natural way to become familiar with Japanese language and expressions, which adds educational value. Another well-known card game is Hanafuda. Hanafuda originated between the 17th and 19th centuries as a result of a “cat-and-mouse” dynamic with government regulations, which repeatedly banned foreign-influenced card games.

Kendama

Kendama is a traditional Japanese wooden toy made of a handle and a ball on a string. Players aim to catch the ball on different parts of the handle, each progressively more difficult. The basic actions are easy to learn, but mastering the skills takes time and repeated practice. This clear step-by-step improvement keeps players motivated. Kendama is enjoyed by both children and adults and has recently gained attention outside Japan, showing how traditional activities can adapt to modern and global settings.

Origami

Origami is the art and practice of folding paper into shapes. Typically, only one sheet of paper is used and no tools are required. This simplicity has helped origami spread widely. People may follow set instructions or create original designs. The finished result is clear and easy to share, making origami both accessible and rewarding. It is often used in education to support concentration, planning, and creative thinking.

Traditional Japanese games share common strengths: they are easy to start, open to everyone, and rich enough to remain interesting over time. While simple in form, they offer repeated learning and personal growth through continued practice. For this reason, these games and plays are still respected as cultural assets rather than only as past traditions. Experiencing them provides a practical way to understand values that many Japanese people continue to appreciate today.