Exploring the Fascinating World of Traditional Japanese Toys

From timeless handcrafted aesthetics to modern collectibles, Japanese toys have captured the imaginations of children for generations. We’ll take a look into the fascinating world of traditional Japanese toys, exploring some of the most iconic and seeing why they’ve had such an enduring appeal even into modern times.

Kendama

Dating back to the 17th century, kendama is a traditional Japanese toy made from a ken (a wooden handle) and a tama (a ball). It resembles a small wooden mallet with a ball on top. These parts are connected by a single piece of string and the challenge is to swing the ball and catch it on one of the three cups on the handle or land it back on the spear on the top of the handle. While it might look like a simple design, it requires a large amount of dexterity, coordination, and practice. In recent years the toy has gained popularity internationally and has even led to kendama skill competitions held worldwide!

Koma

Enjoyed as far back as the 7th century, koma, or Japanese tops, come in various shapes and sizes, and are traditionally made from wood or steel (known as bei-goma.) Either spun by hand or with a string, these tops hold cultural significance beyond just a child’s toy. They were a popular feature of festivals and competitions were even held during the 17th century in the Edo period. A great deal of skill and precision is required when launching koma, coming down to knowledge of details like their shape and weight. Koma also exhibit the incredible craftsmanship of Japanese artisans, as many were decorated with intricate designs and vibrant colors, showcasing the stunning qualities of Japanese lacquerware.

The influence of koma can still be seen in pop culture today with the staying popularity of the toys known as Beyblades!

Hanetsuki

Another centuries-old toy is hanetsuki. Played during New Year's, hanetsuski is a game that closely resembles badminton. It involves a shuttlecock made from feathers attached to a large seed which is then hit back and forth using wooden paddles known as hagoita. Although the game itself has waned in popularity in recent decades, the paddles, which can be intricately decorated with images of kabuki actors, women in kimono, and similar motifs, are now sought out as collectible items. Some are even worth over 100,000 yen!

Karuta

Part educational tool, part game, karuta is a type of Japanese card game that has been around since the Edo period. There are many varieties of this game and while the rectangular cards might resemble Western playing cards, they are quite different. Karuta cards are often decorated with pictures, words, and even short waka poems.

One of the most popular versions of the game, iroha karuta, involves one player acting as the reader, while the rest are gathered around a set of cards that are spread out, face-up before them. The reader reads the poem or saying from their set and the rest of the players have to search the face-up cards for the one that matches. These cards will often include a picture and the first few words of the poem or saying. The player who finds and slaps the matching card first gets to keep it. This was thought to help with reading as well as memorizing these poems which had moral life lessons in them.

Menko

Another traditional card game, menko involves players attempting to flip over their opponent's cards by tossing their own cards down onto them. This is possible as the cards are made from thick paper or cardboard, making them perfect for the job. The cards themselves feature images of everything from historical figures to samurai to anime characters. Although it might not look like it, menko is a game of skill and strategy as the player with the most cards at the end of the game wins!

About the author: 

Kevin Kilcoyne

The spark that lit Kevin Kilcoyne’s interest in Japanese culture began in elementary school through a friendship with his then classmate Keisuke. Since then, that passion has evolved and bloomed to encompass more than just video games and manga, leading Kevin to live in Japan as a participant of the JET program. During his time in Japan, Kevin sought out as many foods as he could, the experiences and taste memories lingering long after they had gone. Now he is forging a path to link his passions for Japanese food, history, and visual culture and is planning for his return to live in Japan once again. For now, you can find Kevin on Instagram (@waruishouten) where he posts his photography and illustration work. Keep an eye out for more posts and updates as Kevin delves more deeply into his passions for writing and food.