HANETSUKI This is like badminton. These are different only in style. Hanetsuki is played in January. Hanetsuki uses "hagoita" paddles and a shuttlecock.

What are hagoita?

Hagoita are used to play hanetsuki.
Its shape is rectangular. There is a very beautiful picture on the face of the paddle.

SPINNING A TOP This toy consists of only a top and a long rope. It only spins.

How do you spin a Japanese top?

First, wind the long rope around the top. When everything is ready, you pull the rope fast!
It looks very easy, but in fact it is very difficult. At least, I can't do it!

TAKETONBO Taketonbo flies like a dragonfly. "Take" means bamboo. "Tonbo" means dragonfly. It is made from only two pieces of bamboo. One of them is carved like a propeller.

How to fly a taketonbo?

You must use both hands. Your hands pinch the taketonbo and twirl it.
Finally, you let go and send it to the sky.
Only from doing this, the taketonbo will fly like a dragonfly. It is dangerous to play in small space!

MENKO Menko is made of common cardboard. Their shape is round or rectangular. The surface has a picture.

How to play menko?

Put some menko on the ground. Then you bang your menko into the other player's menko.
If you can turn over the other player's menko, you are the winner!
These are very easy rules, but playing is not so easy!

These Japanese toys are very simple and interesting!
Let's try playing with these toys!