Traditional Japanese Children's Gifts

While modern Japanese children spend more time on video games and cell phones than they spend with traditional toys, many still like to play with some old favorites. Authentic Japanese toys and games make interesting and unusual gifts for children from other countries, as well.

Characteristics

At first glance, many Japanese toys seem familiar, such as kites, tops and cards, but their colorful decorations set them apart as cultural touchstones. As "Traditional Japanese Toys" indicates, these toys display Buddhist and Shinto influence in their designs, along with the artistic skills of their makers.

Types

Japanese toys and games range from wooden toys and kites to card games and masks. Wooden toys include the challenging cup-and-ball "kendama," the flying "taketombo" and "koma" tops. "Uta-karuta" playing cards, decorated with poetry and images of ancient poets, make inspiring, colorful gifts for older children. "O-men" masks encourage younger children to pretend to be foxes and characters from folklore.

Sources

If you visit Japan, search souvenir stores for traditional toys and games. At home, look in stores specializing in Japanese products, both online and locally. Stores carrying a variety of Asian goods may also have a few Japanese toys in stock.

References

• Andy's Playing Cards: Japanese Matching Cards
• Japanese Toys: Traditional Toys

Resources

• Kendama: Japan's Traditional Ball and Cup Toy
• JBOX: Japanese Culture Resource
• Asahi: Karuta--Sports or Culture?
• MegaMall Japan
• Goods From Japan