Japanese Traditional Game “Ohajiki”

Last updated: July 6, 2026

What Is Ohajiki?

Ohajiki is a traditional Japanese game played with small, flat glass discs.

The History of Ohajiki

This game was introduced from China during the Nara period (710-794), when flints were used to play “Ishi-hajiki (stone kick).”

Other varieties also existed with shells, pieces of glass…

It was first played and enjoyed mainly by the nobility of the imperial court.

It was during the Edo period (1603-1868) that the game began to be played by the population and especially girls, allowing them to play quietly in the house.

At the end of the Meiji era (1868-1912), glass balls appeared in a flattened form.

Currently it is about 12mm in diameter and red, blue, yellow in color.

Ohajiki is still a traditional game, loved by Japanese children, especially girls.

How to Play Ohajiki

The game consists of pushing and touching by projecting his Ohajiki, by a movement of a finger on that of his opponent.

Once hit, he could recover both Ohajiki.

The winner is whoever has the most at the end of the game.

There are several variations to this game, this in the layout of the Ohajiki.

The first was to throw the pieces of glass pell-mell on the table…

Now you can arrange the Ohajiki in round, triangular or to make the game more intense, to win, you had to touch two pieces, etc…

At the end of the game, the pieces were counted…

Ohajiki Today

Contrary to what one might think, in Japan, this game is played a lot with the family.

In retirement homes, it is used to awaken and create a social bond between residents, to stimulate everyone’s abilities…

Ohajiki FAQ

What is ohajiki?
Ohajiki is a traditional Japanese game played with small, flat, coin-shaped glass discs, also called ohajiki. Players flick their own disc with a finger to hit an opponent’s disc and win it, similar in spirit to marbles.

How do you play ohajiki?
Players scatter the discs on a flat surface, then take turns flicking one disc to strike another. If you successfully hit a target, you keep both pieces. Whoever collects the most discs by the end wins.

Where did ohajiki come from?
The game was introduced from China during the Nara period (710 to 794), when small stones were used. Flat glass versions appeared in the late Meiji era, and the game became especially popular among girls in the Edo period.

Is ohajiki still played in Japan today?
Yes. It remains a nostalgic children’s game and is also enjoyed within families. It is even used in retirement homes to encourage social interaction and keep fingers and minds active.

Photo: Jacky, Internet
Writer: Jacky De Greef
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(10/3/2022)