Exploiting the value of games and folk performances to develop tourism: Successful lessons from Japan

In the context of globalization, exploiting the value of folk games has become a prominent trend, helping to attract tourists and create unique and different experiences.

Each oshie hagoita bat is a work of art.

Japan is one of the leading countries in preserving and promoting the value of folk games. Games such as Kendama (jade sword), Hanetsuki (squash with wooden rackets), or Karuta (traditional card game) are not only played in festivals but also become highlights attracting international tourists.

Kendama originated from a traditional game called “Tama-ire” that appeared in Japan in the 16th century. It was originally a simple game for fun. Over time, the game developed into an art form with many different styles of play. The playing equipment is made of wood and has a simple yet sophisticated design, consisting of a long wooden stick called “ken” and a ball called “dama” with a hole.

Playing Kendama is not only a recreational activity but also a great motor skill exercise. Players need to practice hand-eye coordination, concentration to adjust the speed of the ball to hit the bowl. Besides, Kendama helps players practice perseverance because controlling the ball is not easy, players may have to fail many times to succeed. In particular, Kendama also helps improve confidence when players see their progress through each practice.

Hanetsuki is one of the traditional games played during the Japanese New Year. In addition to being entertaining, this long-standing game is also meant to bring luck, health and maturity to girls. Basically, Hanetsuki is played in a similar way to badminton, but the difference is that the wooden paddle-shaped rackets - called oshie hagoita - are used. Each racket is elaborately decorated like a delicate, colorful work of art with images of ancient stage artists, samurai warriors, or famous figures. Accompanying the oshie hagoita is the hane ball made from soapberries attached to bird feathers.

In the context of fierce competition in global tourism, Japan has cleverly exploited its unique cultural values ​​to create attraction, in which the inclusion of folk games such as Hanetsuki and Kendama in traditional festivals creates a special highlight. Not only does it help preserve heritage, these activities also open the door to connect tourists with the quintessence of the Land of the Rising Sun, while promoting the local economy.

Integrating traditional games into festivals not only helps preserve heritage but also creates unique interactive experiences for visitors. For example, during Oshogatsu, from January 1 to 3, visitors can participate in Hanetsuki, learn the rules of the game and understand the meaning of exorcism through the ritual of drawing black ink on the loser's face. Or the Hagoita-ichi festival held at Sensoji Temple (Tokyo) from December 17 to 19 every year, is the clearest proof of the attraction of Hanetsuki. Here, thousands of visitors flock to admire and buy artistic rackets, priced from 1,000 to 60,000 yen. Many booths are set up to organize crash courses for visitors on how to play Hanetsuki. The festival space also combines street food, performing arts, and Hanetsuki playing experiences, creating a colorful whole.

Similarly, Kendama are featured at summer festivals such as Obon, combined with Bon Odori dance and floating lanterns, creating a multi-dimensional appeal.

Along with the inclusion of folk games in festivals, localities have also increased the exploitation of the value of props. In recent years, Kasukabe City in Saitama Prefecture - the place where oshie hagoita is produced - has organized a workshop tour program, directly introducing to visitors the meticulous racket making process from cutting the fabric, stuffing to decorating.

According to statistics, the Hagoita-ichi festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, contributing to increasing revenue for local handicrafts and services. The artistic rackets are not only souvenirs but also become collectible works of art for tourists.

In addition, the promotion of the games through media and social networks has helped Hanetsuki and Kendama go beyond Japan's borders. Many international tourists come to the Land of the Rising Sun during the New Year just to experience this unique festival atmosphere. In the coming time, Japanese localities plan to expand the integration of folk games into more festivals to diversify the experience for tourists.

By turning folk games into “cultural ambassadors”, Japan not only attracts tourists but also affirms its unique identity. Hanetsuki and Kendama - from activities associated with daily life - have become a bridge between the past and the present, between people and culture and tourism. This is a lesson on turning heritage into a sustainable development resource that many countries can refer to.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/khai-thac-gia-tri-tro-choi-tro-dien-dan-gian-de-phat-trien-du-lich-bai-hoc-thanh-cong-tu-nhat-ban-696765.html