No.198
Fukuwarai: Make a Funny Face
Japanese name: 福笑い
Materials
- A large board or sheet with a face outline
- Large card pieces for eyes, nose, mouth, and other features
- Optional blindfold cloth
How to play
- Lay the face board and pieces on a table. Identify the pieces with eyes open first. Choose one arranger and let the others be guides.
- The arranger stays seated and closes their eyes. Anyone uncomfortable with a blindfold may keep their eyes open and instead follow the guides' spoken directions.
- Guides name each piece and hand it over one at a time. The arranger feels the board's outline and places the piece wherever they choose.
- After all pieces are placed, open your eyes. Give the resulting face a name or feeling and introduce it. Do not mock participants' own faces or criticize the result.
- Finish once everyone has tried their preferred role. If repeating, change the number of pieces and swap guides.
Ways to adapt
Preschool children: 2–3 pieces, with eyes open if preferred. Primary school children: experiment with helpful verbal directions.