Bamboo-Shoot Group Count (Takenoko Nyokki)

Materials

• None

How to play

1. Sit in a circle with palms together in front of the chest. Agree that each person may call a number only once per attempt.
2. Give a shared starting signal. Anyone may then say “1 nyokki!” and raise their hands. Do not arrange a speaking order.
3. A different person continues with “2 nyokki!” Aim to reach the group's total number without overlapping voices.
4. If two or more people speak together, everyone lowers their hands, says “Try again,” and restarts at 1. Make five attempts and record the longest successful count.

Ways to adapt

Preschool children: start with an agreed speaking order. Younger primary school children: four players. Children in the middle primary school grades: six. Older primary school children: eight.

Sources and references

• 大分市教育委員会 子ども会ガイドブック ↗