Hana Ichi Momme
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Hana Ichi Momme is a traditional Japanese children's game. This game is often played in kindergartens and elementary schools. The children split into two groups, and the members of each group hold hands, so that the teams face each other in two lines. One group steps toward the other in the rhythm of a song that is used only for the game, and the other steps back so that the team lines remain parallel. In each phrase of the song, the team that is stepping back changes, and the team creates a move that associates a swing.
Each time the song ends, the team leaders step forward and do janken. The winner goes back to his team, and they discuss who the team wants to add from the other team. After they have decided, they sing another song doing the same movement and announce the person they want.The game ends when one team loses all of its members.
Version 2: Note that this version calls it Hana Ichi MomBe. After the children line up, the team leader steps forward to janken. The winning team sings the first part (1) while they advance forward in line. The opposing team retreats in parallel. As the words momBE is sung, the children kick into the air as if to kick the dirt into the opponent's face. Then it's time for the second team to sing their part of the lyrics below (2)as they advance in line. The two teams alternate the verses.
Lyrics:
(1)Ka~tte ureshii hana ichi mombe
(2)Make~te kuyashii hana ichi mombe
(1)Anokoga hoshii
(2)Anokojya wakaran
(1)Sodan shimasho
(2)So shimasho
Translation:
we're so happy we won, hana ichi mombe
we're so vexed we lost, hana ichi mombe
we want that child
don't understand which child
let's have a discussion
yes, let's have one
The children then huddle to choose a person from the opposing team and return back in line to call out...
(1)<name of child chosen eg.> Yoshi-chan ga hoshii
(2)<name of child chosen eg.> Keiko-chan ga hoshii
Translation:
We want <e.g Yoshi-chan>
We want <e.g Keiko-chan>
The two children then step forward to janken. The loser joins the winning team's line. Game ends the same way.
Other traditional Japanese children's games include Kagome Kagome and Dahrumasan ga Koronda. Many games have songs that go with them.
