Ohajiki facts for kids

Bag of ohajiki

Ohajiki (おはじき) is a fun, traditional Japanese children's game. It's a bit like playing marbles, but you use special flat, coin-shaped pieces instead of round ones. These pieces are also called ohajiki.

What is Ohajiki?

The pieces used in Ohajiki are usually made of smooth glass or plastic. They are small and round, looking a bit like colorful coins. Long ago, when the game first started, children often played with simple pebbles or even go stones they found.

The Ohajiki Pieces

• Glass pieces: Many ohajiki pieces are made of shiny, colorful glass. They can be clear or have pretty patterns inside.
• Plastic pieces: Newer ohajiki are often made from plastic. These are usually lighter and come in many bright colors.
• Historical pieces: In the past, children were creative! They used small, smooth stones or even the flat, black and white stones from the game of Go.

How to Play Ohajiki

Playing Ohajiki is simple and fun! It's a game of skill where you try to flick your pieces to hit others.

Setting Up the Game

• Players usually sit on the floor or at a table.
• Each player chooses a few ohajiki pieces, often five or ten.
• All players place their pieces together in a small circle or scattered on the playing surface. This is the "field" of play.

Taking Your Turn

• Players decide who goes first, maybe by drawing straws or playing rock-paper-scissors.
• On your turn, you choose one of your ohajiki pieces.
• You then use your finger, usually your thumb or middle finger, to flick your chosen piece.
• The goal is to hit another player's ohajiki piece with your flicked piece.

Scoring and Winning

• If your ohajiki hits another player's piece, you get to keep that piece!
• You also get another turn if you successfully hit a piece.
• If you miss, your turn ends, and the next player goes.
• The game continues until all the pieces on the "field" have been collected.
• The player who has collected the most ohajiki pieces at the end of the game is the winner!

History of Ohajiki

Ohajiki has been a popular game in Japan for a very long time. It became especially well-known during the Edo period, which was from 1603 to 1868.

Ohajiki in the Edo Period

• During the Edo period, Ohajiki was a favorite indoor game, especially for girls.
• It was a simple game that could be played anywhere, making it perfect for playing inside homes.
• The game helped children develop their aim and hand-eye coordination.
• Even though many new games exist today, Ohajiki is still remembered as a classic traditional Japanese game.