The object of the game is to keep the hane off the ground as long as possible. Unlike badminton, you don’t play with a net, but you do hit a shuttlecock (called a hane) back and forth using wooden paddles called hagoita. Hanetsuki – or Japanese badminton – is traditionally played on New Year’s and became a popular women’s game starting in the Muromachi period (1333-1568). And maybe, the next time you’re perusing through the souvenir shop, you’ll also have a better understanding of the meaning behind some of the toys on display. Even if you’re not into playing too much, there’s still a lot you can learn about Japanese history and culture through them. So let’s learn about some of Japan’s most timeless and classic games.

And though when it comes to games, visitors might first know this country for creations like the Mario Brothers and FF7’s Cloud Strife, let’s not overlook the lasting popularity as well as nostalgic value of Japan’s traditional games. Japan has a rich history of traditional games which date back over generations.

Card game popular culture