When you think of Japanese New Year, you probably imagine festive decorations, delicious foods, and time-honored traditions. Among these, one item stands out for its beauty and cultural meaning—the Hagoita, a decorated wooden paddle.
These colorful paddles are not only eye-catching ornaments, but they also carry a history as a traditional New Year’s game called Hanetsuki. While people rarely play the game today, Hagoita have become beloved as lucky charms and gorgeous New Year decorations.
In this article, let’s explore what Hagoita are, their history, the meanings behind them, and why they’re now more popular as decorations than as toys.
What is a Hagoita?
Otsuki chan has a few Hagoita!
Basic Information about Hagoita
A Hagoita is a rectangular wooden paddle, often beautifully decorated with paintings or raised designs called oshie. Traditionally, it was used for a New Year’s game where players hit a feathered shuttlecock back and forth. Think of it like badminton—but without a net!
Connection to New Year
Hagoita have long been linked to Japanese New Year celebrations. Playing Hanetsuki was believed to drive away bad luck at the start of the year. The word hagoita is also associated with the phrase “hane no keru” (to knock away), symbolizing the act of bouncing away evil spirits.
I didn’t know about this…
The Game of Hanetsuki
The game used a shuttlecock made with a black seed from the soapberry tree, believed to ward off insects and illness. Kids would play outdoors, and the loser often got their face painted with black ink as a funny “punishment.” It was a playful and charming New Year’s tradition.
Playing Hanetsuki is so much fun! You can’t help but get completely absorbed in it.
The History and Meaning of Hagoita
From the Muromachi Period
Hagoita first appeared in Japan during the Muromachi period (14th–16th century), adapted from games brought over from China.
Hagoita first came to Japan during the Muromachi period.
Edo Period Popularity
During the Edo period, Hagoita became extremely popular, not just as toys but also as works of art. Paddles decorated with kabuki actors, beautiful women, or popular designs were highly prized, linking Hagoita to the flourishing ukiyo-e culture of the time.
Symbol of Good Fortune
Hagoita came to be seen as charms for good luck, protecting against evil spirits. Even today, it’s common to give a decorated Hagoita to celebrate a baby girl’s first New Year, wishing her a healthy and happy life.
From Showa and Heisei to Today: Decline of the Game
In just the past few decades, they’ve shifted from being toys to mainly decorations.
A Childhood New Year Game
During the Showa era, it was still common to see children playing Hanetsuki during the New Year holidays. Laughter, the sound of paddles, and faces smudged with ink made it a cheerful seasonal tradition.
The Decline of Outdoor Games
However, by the Heisei era, lifestyles had changed. With the rise of TV, video games, and indoor entertainment, fewer children played outdoors, and Hanetsuki gradually disappeared from daily life.
My grandparents lived in a pretty rural area, where a lot of old traditions still survived. When I was a kid, we used to play Hanetsuki at New Year’s—it was so much fun!
Hagoita as Decorations
Today, Hagoita are mainly appreciated as beautiful ornaments. In December, you can even find Hagoita fairs (Hagoita-ichi) at places like Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, where stunning hand-decorated paddles are sold as lucky charms for the new year.
As Traditional Artwork
Modern Hagoita are crafted with incredible detail, often using traditional techniques. The raised oshie designs give them a three-dimensional effect, making them feel more like art pieces than toys.
These days, Hagoita have changed a lot—they might feature popular characters, pastel colors, or even be decorated with tsumami zaiku (delicate fabric flowers). They’re so gorgeous now that you could never actually use them for Hanetsuki!
How to Enjoy Hagoita Today
For the First New Year Celebration
For families with a baby girl, it’s still common to display a Hagoita during her first New Year. This continues the tradition of wishing health, happiness, and protection from harm.
This is the Hagoita my grandmother bought for me when I was born, displayed in a glass case. It carries her wish that I would grow up safely without illness or misfortune.
As Interior Decoration or Gifts
Hagoita are no longer limited to traditional designs. You can now find modern, stylish versions that blend with contemporary interiors. They make wonderful New Year’s gifts and unique decorations, even outside of Japan.
Hagoita Q&A
- QCan I display a Hagoita outside the New Year season?
- A
Absolutely! Many people keep them up year-round as lucky charms or decorative art.
- QDo Hagoita always come with the shuttlecock?
- A
Not anymore. Most modern Hagoita are made purely for display, without the game pieces.
- QIs the tradition only for girls?
- A
Traditionally, yes—it’s linked with baby girls’ first New Year. But nowadays, anyone can enjoy Hagoita as ornaments or souvenirs.
Final Thoughts about Hagoita
Hagoita are much more than just paddles—they’re symbols of good fortune, history, and Japanese artistry. From a lively New Year’s game in the past to beautiful ornaments today, they’ve transformed into items that continue to bring joy and meaning to Japanese households.
If you’re interested in Japanese culture, why not bring a piece of it into your home? A Hagoita can add a touch of New Year’s spirit, elegance, and tradition to your space—whether it’s January or not!
If you like gaming, and you are also interested in Japan, you may love these Japanese themed games!
Yes! Let’s play!
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