Menko facts for kids

Menko (めんこ, 面子), also called Bettan or Patchin, is a fun Japanese card game played by two or more people. It's also the name for the special cards used in the game. Menko cards are made from thick paper or cardboard. They often have cool pictures on them from anime, manga, or other popular stories.

Rectangular and various size round menko cards.

What is Menko?

Menko is both a game and the cards themselves. The cards are usually round or rectangular. They are printed with colorful images on one or both sides. These pictures often show what was popular at the time the cards were made.

How to Play Menko

Playing Menko is simple and exciting! Here's how it works:

• One player places their Menko card flat on a hard surface, like a wooden floor or concrete.
• The other player then throws their own Menko card down.
• The goal is to flip the first player's card over. You can do this by making a strong gust of wind with your card, or by hitting your card directly against the other one.
• If you successfully flip the other player's card, you get to keep both cards!
• The game continues until one player has collected all the cards. The player with the most cards at the end wins the game.

Menko is great because it needs both skill and power. This means younger kids can play fairly against older players.

Men'uchi from the Edo period.

The History of Menko Cards

Menko has been a popular game in Japan for a very long time. It first became popular during the Edo period (1603-1868). Back then, the game was known as men'uchi (面打). The first cards were made by putting clay into molds and then baking them.

The game's easy rules have made it a favorite among children of all ages for centuries. It's a quick game that anyone can learn and enjoy.

What Pictures Were on Menko Cards?

The pictures on Menko cards are like a time capsule! They show what was popular in Japan during different periods.

• In the Edo period and early Meiji period (1868-1912), cards often featured images of ninja and samurai. These were popular heroes of the time.
• Before World War II, many Menko cards showed military themes. You could find pictures of fighter planes and battleships.
• After the war, characters from popular anime and manga became very common. Pictures of baseball players were also a big hit. Some people even collect special baseball menko cards today!
• In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Menko cards got even cooler. They started to feature shiny holographs and sparkling designs.

Menko cards are not just for playing. They are also interesting pieces of history that show how popular culture has changed over time in Japan.