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Japanese Traditional Games - JSON

Japanese traditional games are cultural heritage passed down through a long history. There are many games using tools or body movements, such as kendama (cup-and-ball), koma (spinning top), ayatori (cat's cradle), otedama (beanbag juggling), karuta (card game), and fukuwarai (face-making game). These games play an important role in developing children's physical abilities, concentration, and social skills, while also conveying Japanese traditional culture. Many of these games are enjoyed as traditional New Year activities, and some have developed into competitive sports even today.

traditional games New Year children's games Japanese culture folk art toys

[
  {
    "code": "01",
    "slug": "kendama",
    "name": "Kendama (Cup-and-Ball)",
    "description": "A game where a wooden ball attached by a string is caught on cups or a spike on a handle.",
    "category": "Tool-based games",
    "origin": "France (16th century), popularized in Japan during Edo period",
    "players": "1 to multiple players"
  },
  {
    "code": "02",
    "slug": "koma",
    "name": "Koma (Spinning Top)",
    "description": "A game where wooden or metal tops are spun with string or by hand, competing for duration or tricks.",
    "category": "Tool-based games",
    "origin": "Japan (around 6th century), originated in Egypt (4000 years ago)",
    "players": "1 to multiple players"
  },
  {
    "code": "03",
    "slug": "ayatori",
    "name": "Ayatori (Cat's Cradle)",
    "description": "A game where a string is looped around fingers to create various shapes.",
    "category": "String games",
    "origin": "Japan (since ancient times)",
    "players": "1 to 2 players"
  },
  {
    "code": "04",
    "slug": "otedama",
    "name": "Otedama (Beanbag Juggling)",
    "description": "A game where small beanbags filled with beans or beads are tossed and rhythmically caught.",
    "category": "Tool-based games",
    "origin": "Lydia (around 5th century BC), introduced to Japan during Nara period",
    "players": "1 to multiple players"
  },
  {
    "code": "05",
    "slug": "karuta",
    "name": "Karuta (Card Game)",
    "description": "A card game using reading cards and grabbing cards.",
    "category": "Card game",
    "origin": "Portugal (16th century), developed uniquely in Japan",
    "players": "2 to multiple players"
  },
  {
    "code": "06",
    "slug": "fukuwarai",
    "name": "Fukuwarai (Face-Making Game)",
    "description": "A game where players place face parts while blindfolded.",
    "category": "New Year games",
    "origin": "Japan (Meiji period)",
    "players": "2 to multiple players"
  }
]