Learn About the Game Japanese Badminton
Ever stumbled upon a tradition where badminton meets New Year’s festive spirit? That’s basically Japanese badminton, or hanetsuki, in a nutshell. Instead of a net, two people face off with wooden paddles—called hagoita—gently tapping a shuttlecock back and forth. It’s less about fierce competition and more about shared laughter and the thrill of sending that little cork-and-feather bird soaring into the air.
What really makes it charming are the paddles themselves. These aren’t your typical plastic rackets; they’re often hand-painted with vibrant scenes—everything from kabuki actors to floral patterns—and sometimes even lacquered for extra shine. You can stumble upon vintage hagoita that look like pieces of art, sitting in glass displays at New Year markets. It’s like wielding a tiny canvas every time you take a swing.
The rules are refreshingly loose: no strict scoring, no set court lines, and certainly no super intense rallies. The goal is simply to keep the shuttlecock from touching the ground. If someone does drop it, there’s an old custom of smudging a little ink on their face—supposedly to ward off bad luck—but nowadays people just giggle and reset for another round. Kids love it because you don’t need Olympic-level agility; you just need a playful spirit.
Nowadays you’ll see hanetsuki at temple fairs or family gatherings, more as a nod to tradition than a serious sport. It’s common to find stalls selling hagoita alongside other New Year’s trinkets, and even if you’ve never picked up a paddle before, you’ll feel right at home trying to keep that shuttle in flight. In the end, it’s less about mastering a serve and more about sharing a moment of lighthearted fun as the new year takes off.