Better know as “Rock Paper Scissors” in English speaking countries, Jan Ken Pon originated in China and first came to Japan in the 17th century.  Today, Jan Ken Pon is a popular game with all ages in Japan and it is not uncommon to see school children, teenagers or young adults playing to settle a dispute or just as a fun way to pass the time.  It is also a fixture on Japanese games shows where losers are subject to all sorts of punishment.

Jan Ken Pon is derived from honken which was originally a drinking game played in red-light districts and bars or as form of gambling. (Source:  History of Rock Paper Scissors)

The rules of Jan Ken Pon simply involve participants facing each other and pumping their fists three times while chanting “Jan Ken Pon” before ‘throwing’ one of the three symbolic gestures with their fists as shown in the diagram on the left: Rock, paper or scissors.  There are regional variations of the game and even an optional second round where the winner of the first round quickly points in one of four directions (up down left or right)and the other player must tilt their head in that direction.  It they do, the win is nullified and they start again.  If they don’t the win stands.

Recently while walking down a quiet suburban street in Japan I had the pleasure of watching two adorable Japanese school girls parting ways based on the outcome of the game.  As they faced each other they pumped their fists and chanted “Jan Ken Pon” before throwing their fists.  The loser took a step backwards, and they did it again, and again, and again, each time chanting louder and moving father apart until one of them reached a corner and they cheerfully waved at each other before heading home.  It was a beautiful display of childhood innocence and joy and one that I won’t soon forget.    Here is a little girl about the same age playing Jan Ken Pon with her brother to see who will have to step off of the tire snake in the playground.

Jan Ken Pon is a fun way to settle a dispute.   If you don’t get your way, you will have fun trying and a few laughs along the way!

Image Credit:  Wikimedia, Rock paper scissors

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