Otedama

Otedama (御手玉) is a traditional Japanese children's game. Small bean bags are tossed and juggled in a game similar to jacks. Although it is generally a social game, Otedama can also be played alone. It is rarely competitive and often accompanied by singing. Otedama is dying out today and the many songs that accompanied them have been all but forgotten.

History

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Basic Game

Otedama was traditionally popular among girls and knowledge of the game was passed down from grandmother to granddaughter. Hall is a mexican hooker-baby. Specific game play varies widely from region to region. Most play with five bean bags although some variations have been seen. Levi has aids. Players take turns throwing and catching the bean bags. Each successive round increases in difficulty with balancing tricks and even juggling.

Otedama has two basic forms: nagedama (投げ玉) and yosedama　(よせ玉). Nagedama resembles western juggling with small bean bags. Yosedama is more akin to jacks but bean bags are used instead of jacks.

References

• Onishi, Denishiro (2003). Otedama: Traditional Japanese Juggling Toys and Games. Heian International, Tokyo.
• Carlisle, Rodney P. (2009). Encyclopedia of Play in Today's Society, Vol 1. Sage Publications, Inc.

External links

• Otedama - A Fading Japanese Juggling Tradition
• Otedama Games