Okay folks, let’s talk Hide and Seek Japanese style, or “kakurenbo” as they call it. Been playing with the kids and some neighbors recently, getting right into it, and man, finding GOOD spots is half the fun… and half the frustration! Thought I’d just walk you through what I actually did.
Started With Research (Mostly Just Watching Videos Honestly)
First thing? Didn’t just wanna run around like a headless chicken. Hopped online – YouTube is my go-to – searching specifically for “Japanese hide and seek”, “kakurenbo spots”. Wanted to see what folks actually use over there, beyond the usual under-the-bed classics. Found lots of clips! Mostly kids playing in houses and parks. Bookmarked a few videos showing interesting spots. Not gonna lie, sometimes it just looked chaotic, but some hiding places genuinely looked clever.
Mission Phase 1: Testing Indoors
House felt too predictable. Time to get creative. Grabbed my older kid and some stuffed animals (they make terrible seekers, but good for practicing silence). Started trying spots inspired by what I saw:
- Behind the curtains: Sounds easy, right? But heavy curtains? Holy wow, if you press yourself flat and still, especially near the window corner in low light, you practically vanish. Did this one evening – seeker walked past me twice!
- Under the kotatsu table (that low heated table, we don’t really have one but used a low coffee table with a big blanket): Crouched underneath, pulled the blanket down tight all around. Super cozy, actually. Problem? When the seeker lifted the blanket “just in case”… busted. Good if they’re lazy!
- Inside cupboards: Tried a big closet. Felt like a genius ninja… for about 30 seconds. Then realized how hot and uncomfortable it was crammed in there with winter coats. Plus, breathing loudly sounds like a dragon in a box. Not recommended unless it’s a huge walk-in and you can sit comfortably.
- Shower/bath tub (curtain closed): Pulled the curtain shut and crouched in the dry tub. Worked surprisingly well once! But risky – if someone actually looks in, you’re just sitting there like a goose in a bathtub.
Found the key was stillness and silence, more than total invisibility. And pick spots the seekers think are “too obvious” – works sometimes!
Mission Phase 2: Taking it Outside
Indoors got sweaty. Needed fresh air. Hit the local park and backyard garden. Different game entirely! Way harder to find quiet spots.
- Behind large trees/trunks: Obvious? Yep. But effective if you’re completely behind the thickest part. Trick is to shift around the trunk as the seeker approaches. Requires timing!
- Thick bushes/shrubs: Went deep into some rhododendrons. Got stuck bad. Scratched my arm. But man, when you hunker down low, you really disappear. Like, poof. Kids walked right by. Won that round! Major drawback: bugs and spiders are NOT invited players.
- Garden shed side: Squeezed myself between the shed and the fence. Tight fit! If the seeker doesn’t check the small gap, you’re golden. Feels pretty sneaky.
- Park structures: Think playground! Slide tunnels were useless – too see-through. But underneath climbing equipment? Behind benches? Especially good if there’s leaf litter or shadows. Had success behind a big stone bench near the bushes.
- Vending machines / utility boxes: Park has some. Squeezed between one and a wall. Feels incredibly urban and “Japanese-game-show” style. Totally unexpected spot! Worked brilliantly once the seeker moved past the main play area.
Outdoors needs quick movement between cover and being dead still. Plus, gotta be ready to run like crazy if spotted!
Putting it All Together – Actual Game Time
Got a proper group together – 4 seekers, the rest hiding. Used the whole house perimeter and the front yard park area near our place. Set clear boundaries (no streets!).
Used the “demon” role (“oni”) version a bit – one designated powerful seeker first. Counted loudly by the base (our porch light). Then scattered!
- I went for the thick bushes near the park boundary. Crouched, stayed quiet. Saw two seekers wander past. Felt amazing!
- Kid tried the bathtub inside. Got found quick – they always check there now!
- Another friend squeezed near the gas meter box behind trash bins. Super sneaky spot! Almost lasted till the end.
- Best spot winner? Neighbor kid climbed high into a sturdy lilac tree. Quiet as a mouse. Seekers looked UP… but not up enough. Won the game!
The seekers had to tag you and get back to base before you could. Added tons of frantic running and screaming later! My bush spot got caught when a seeker doubled back unexpectedly. Crushing defeat!
What I Learned? The “Best Spot” Totally Depends…
For indoors: Curtains, dark corners behind furniture, inside large laundry baskets (if empty!), behind doors that open towards the wall. Stillness is your superpower.
For outdoors: Thick bushes (accept the scratch risk), behind big objects others won’t walk around (machines, sheds, thick trees), high spots if safe and climbable. Movement matters more out here.
Most important thing? There’s no magic spot. Any place becomes good if people don’t check it, or if you blend and stay silent. Finding spots no one thinks to check? That’s gold. Also learned kids cheat all the time. Peeking, moving spots… gotta have clear rules!
Honestly? Half the fun is just trying wacky places and seeing if they work. Messed up plenty, got stuck, got scratched. Laughed like crazy. That’s kakurenbo! Go try some spots yourself, trust me.