Japan History and Culture

Rock Paper Scissors (Jan-ken-pon or Janken)

Jan-ken-pon  is the most popular game among Japanese children and it is  a subset of games played using only the hands, symbolizes both the spirit, theme and the categories of this competition.

The hand in the game

 -“Rock (Gu)” for a fist.

 

 -“Scissors (Paa)” for the index and middle fingers, parted and extended.

-“Paper  (Choki)” for  an open hand

Rules

The exchange is won as determined by the rules:

1. rock breaks scissors

2. scissors cut paper

3. paper wraps rock.

 

Jan Ken Pon Song

A Japanese version of “Rock, Paper, Scissors”
Played with hands behind back until final line.

Japanese Translation:

Jan-Ken-Pon
Jan-ken-pon yo, jan-ken-pon
Jan-ken-pon yo, Goo, cho-ki, pa

English Translation:

Rock, Paper Scissors
Rock, paper, scissors
One, two, three