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What is Tosenkyo? Basic play and throwing tips

Tosenkyo, a traditional Japanese game, has a great appeal because of the beauty of throwing a fan. Although you may have an image of it as a maiko's tatami room game, in fact, there are many schools and groups, and it is so popular that tossing fan contests are held. Recently, events are being held for those who are new to the art of Tousenkyo, where they can experience it for themselves. Since many of the matches are played in kimonos, it would be even more fun to play in kimono. This article explains how to play Tousenkyo.

Meaning and History of Tousenkyo

folding fanTosenkyo" is a traditional Japanese game played with the "tosenkyo" (a folding fan). What kind of game is it? Here, we explain the characteristics and history of Tousenkyo.

What is Tousenkyo?

Tosenkyo is a traditional Japanese game,folding fanIt is characterized by its use of the "tosenkyo" (a Japanese word meaning "throwing fan"). A target called a "butterfly" is placed on a base called a "pillow," and the player aims at the butterfly.folding fanthrows. Then, throw thefolding fanthe butterfly, the pillow, and the butterfly when thefolding fanWhen the butterfly, pillow, or pillow falls, points are awarded according to the shape of the butterfly, pillow, or pillow (i.e., the inscription). Tousenkyo is a competitive game and is played one-on-one (two players). The rules for scoring points vary from school to school. The most well-known styles are the Tale of Genji style and Hyakunin Isshu style, in which each inscription is named after a piece of classical Japanese literature. For example, an inscription named after the Tale of Genji is given one point for "Hanasazari" and eight points for "Yugiri".

History of Tousenkyo

Today, the term "Utsugi-kyo" may conjure up strong images of the Japanese entertainment of Kyoto's maiko (apprentice geisha). However, it was actually a game that spread among the general public during the Edo period (1603-1868). It is said that at that time, Tousenkyo was widely enjoyed by both children and adults. It is said that Tousenkyo originated from a Chinese game called Touko. However, the rules and manners of the game were difficult to understand. Tousenkyo was born to make it easier for everyone to play. The game became so popular that it eventually came to be used for gambling, and was even banned by the shogunate. Even so, as Western culture spread during the Meiji period (1868-1912), the number of people playing the game declined. However, the game has been passed down to the present day by a number of groups, and is once again gaining recognition.

Tosenkyo

Tools necessary for Tousenkyo and how to play

This section describes the tools necessary for playing Tousenkyo and how to play the game. Recently, it has become easy to obtain a set of tools online, so why not try playing traditional Tousenkyo?

Tools used for Tousenkyo

In Tousenkyo, a "butterfly (target)," "pillow (base)," and "folding fan(for Utsusenkyo)" are used.

butterfly

Butterflies are shaped like ginkgo leaves. It is usually upholstered in cloth with a bell hanging from both sides by a thread or other means. The bottom of the shaft is usually weighted with several 5 yen coins stacked on top of each other. Note that the size and weight may vary among commercially available butterflies. Since this also affects the ease of knocking down the butterfly, it is advisable to check beforehand what is suitable for practice when participating in a Utsusenkyo group or convention.

Pillow

A pillow is the base on which the butterfly is placed, and is generally made of paulownia wood. The size varies according to the school, but the standard height is 17.5 cm and the top board is 9 cm x 9 cm. Many are decorated with designs on the sides. Some pillows on the market are found slightly higher than the standard. As with choosing a butterfly, we recommend that you check the appropriate size for your practice.

folding fan

Used for Tosenkyofolding fanis usually cooler thanfolding fanis different from the standard, and a special standard has been established for this purpose. The reason,folding fanis to make it easier to fly when thrown. The exclusive use of the throwing fanfolding fanis made lighter by reducing the number of bones and making it thinner. In addition, the throw fan is used many times infolding fanis easily torn or damaged by repeated tossing, so a specialfolding fanis considered a consumable item, which is another major difference. If you want to get the right tools for Utsusenkyo, you should get a dedicatedfolding fanWe recommend that you prepare a special

How to Play Tousenkyo

When playing Utsusenkyo, a pillow is placed in the center of two players, and a butterfly is placed on the pillow as a target. In this state, the players take turns facing the target.folding fanThe person with the highest total score wins.

In addition to the forms in which points are awarded, there are also forms in which no points are awarded or, conversely, points are deducted from the total. For example,folding fanis a "kotsuuri" that hits the pillow, one point is deducted.

folding fanThe number of times to throw "kotsuri" and the way to count the number of points vary from school to school. You can check the types of inscriptions and the number of points in the inscription chart published by each school, or you can find an inscription chart in a commercially available nagegyo set.

Tousogi-no-kyofolding fanHow to hold and throw

How to hold and throwfolding fanto hit the target, you need to know how to hold and throw it. Normalfolding fanWhen playing, keep the following points in mind.

The Throwing Fanfolding fanHow to hold

How to holdfolding fanUse your right hand to hold the Spreadfolding fanfrom the bottom with the thumb and pinch it from the top with the remaining four fingers together.folding fanWhen throwing the "A", hold it like this with the thumb side down so that the fan surface is horizontal.

Tosenkyo'sfolding fanHow to throw

Throwing a fanfolding fanWhen you throw thefolding fanand then push forward to throw. If you pull it lightly toward you to give it more momentum, it will fly farther. In addition, the following is an example offolding fanThere are some rules for how to throw the "U" in the nagegyo, so please be sure to keep them in mind. For examplefolding fanWhen you throw a "uchi", you should not raise your buttocks while sitting on your seat. The key is to throw with your back straight and your upper body close to the target.

folding fanLet's play with the "Utsusenkyo" using the "Utsusenkyo"!

Tosenkyo is,folding fanIt is a traditional Japanese game using Throwingfolding fanThe sight of the thrown fan gently flying and knocking down a target with a bell on it has a unique charm. Although it may have a strong image as a Japanese tatami room game, nowadays, tossing fan ball is gaining attention again, especially among those who are interested in traditional culture. The rules are simple and easy to understand, so why not try your hand at Tousenkyo? Continue to Nihonbashifolding fanwhich is a long-established store inIbasenWe offer a wide variety of products for different purposes and scenes.folding fanWe offer a wide variety of