お手玉

Otedama

Otedama is a traditional Japanese children’s game. To play the otedame, you need Otedama balls, and there are many different shapes and kinds of them. Some of the most common ones are made with 4 strips of fabric or have a shape similar to Hoozuki (Japanese lantern plant).

Inside of the otedama balls are often made of small shells, small azuki red beans, or little nuts and seeds. The balls that are made with small shells make a fine noise when you toss them. Because of that, this type is called Ojami (oh-jah-mi).