Menko Cards

Playing with menko cards is similar to the recent (about five or so years ago) American fad of playing with Pongs. Menko cards, usually made of cardboard in a rectangular or circular shape and adorned with a nice image, are thrown down on top of each other. One acquires an opponents card by flipping it over when throwing down his own card. This game has existed in Japan since the 1700s.

(source: Menko)

Tako

The history of the tako (kite) dates back to the Nara period (649-794) when Chinese monks travelled to Japan, bringing with them this amazing toy. During the Edo period (1603-1867), when Japan was closed to outside civilization, tako artistry truly flourished. Approximately 130 different styles of kites exist, with a unique shape representing each region of Japan. Today, the beautifully dyed tako's are still given as presents to first born sons and flown annually on Boy's Day (the 5th day of the 5th month of the year) and at religious festivals, public holiday and New Year celebrations. At the Hamamatsu festival, millions of spectators watch as tako teams battle against each other in the air.

(source: Japanese Kite History)

Hanetsuki

Similar to the game of badminton, hanetsuki is a traditional game played with a paddle (called the hagoita, shown above) and shuttle. However, no net is used when playing the game. The popularity of hanetsuki has waned in the past century, and now the paddles are largely appreciate more for their artistic beauty rather than their use in play.

(source: Games and Activities for Children)