No.301
The Fishing Net: Close on the Secret Number
Japanese name: 漁師のあみ（秘密の数で閉じる輪）
Materials
- None
How to play
- Half the group are the net; half are fish. Net players hold hands in a large circle and secretly choose a closing number from 3 to 10, without letting the fish hear.
- The net raises joined hands high and counts slowly from one. Fish walk in and out beneath the arms. No pushing or running.
- At the chosen number, everyone stops. Net players check nearby heads and bodies, then lower their arms. Never shrink the circle or trap anyone’s body between arms.
- Fish fully inside the circle join the net for the next round. Count anyone partway through a gate as outside. Choose a new secret number and repeat.
- After three closures, the game ends. Swap the original net and fish groups and play once more.
Ways to adapt
Preschool: include adults in the circle to keep gates high enough. Anyone preferring not to hold hands may leave space and raise one arm to represent a gate.