Menko and Beigoma: Edo-Era Street Games

Flipped cards and spinning iron tops filled alleys and schoolyards for generations, and a few shops and clubs still keep the games alive.

Published October 18, 2026 at 11:57 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Menko are small thick cards that players try to flip by slapping their own card down on them. Beigoma are small metal spinning tops that players launch into a shallow tub to knock each other out. Both grew from older Edo-era toys into street games for children, and both are still played at festivals and in clubs.

Two games, one street culture

Menko and beigoma belong to a family of traditional children's games that were once played outdoors in Japanese towns. They needed few materials, could be carried in a pocket and invited competition among friends. Because of that, they spread widely through neighborhoods, and each region added its own rules and names. Menko are cards, usually round or rectangular, made of thick paper or cardboard.

Beigoma are small spinning tops, traditionally cast in metal. Both games reward practice and a good feel for technique, rather than size or strength, which made them attractive to children of different ages. Today the games are often introduced through museums, school events and community centers as part of cultural education. They also appear in shops that sell nostalgic toys, where parents can introduce them to a new generation.

How menko is played

The classic game is simple. Each player has a menko card. One player throws their card on the ground, and the other tries to flip the card over by throwing their own card down so that the wind from its landing, or direct contact, turns it. If the card flips, the player wins it. Some variations use a flat surface like a table or a board, and others use a ring drawn on the ground.

Rules differ, and players often agree on them at the start. Common additional rules include tossing cards from a specific distance or forbidding the use of hands to flip. The technique is about angle and force. Players learn to hit the card at a slight slant so that a cushion of air lifts the other card. Experienced players can flip cards with a flick of the wrist that seems almost effortless. Practicing on a mat or soft surface helps beginners avoid bending the cards.

The look of menko cards

Early menko were made of clay or lead and shaped like small discs, and they were played in Edo-period alleys. Paper menko, which became common in the Meiji period and later, carried printed pictures that were part of the appeal. Designs included samurai, animals, trains, sports stars and characters from popular stories. Collecting menko became a pastime on its own.

In the Showa era, cards featuring baseball players, wrestlers and manga heroes were widely traded. Vintage menko are now sought by collectors, and some museums display them as part of the history of popular print culture. New menko are still produced. Many are decorated with anime characters, regional mascots or seasonal themes, and they are sold at dagashiya penny candy shops and toy stores. Cards designed for tournaments may be heavier and have specific dimensions.

What beigoma are

Beigoma are small spinning tops that are usually cast from iron or similar metals. They have a flat, wide top and a pointed base, often with ridges on the side to improve contact. The name is traditionally explained as coming from an earlier toy made from a shell, which was then replaced by metal versions. The game is played in a shallow tub or a stretched cloth over a drum.

Players wind a cord around their top and throw it into the tub with a quick pull. Each top spins and clashes with the others, and the aim is to knock opponents' tops out of the tub or keep spinning the longest. Beigoma had a strong presence in town life during the Showa years. Children played in lanes and in front of shops. The tops themselves were sometimes cast in local workshops, and enthusiasts today still prize well-balanced ones.

Technique and etiquette

For beigoma, the most important step is the winding. The cord is wrapped tightly and evenly around the body of the top, and the thrower uses a swift pull to launch it. Different cords give different spin, and players develop their own style over time. Good sportsmanship is part of the culture. Players take turns, respect the rules agreed at the start and avoid interfering with another player's throw.

In clubs, experienced participants usually teach newcomers, and they are happy to share tips on grip and balance. For menko, similar etiquette applies. Do not bend or mark another player's card without asking, and return cards at the end if you are only playing for fun. If you are trading, make sure both players are happy with the exchange. Experienced players are often happy to demonstrate a flip slowly, so ask politely and watch closely.

Where to experience them

Folk toy museums and local history museums often have menko and beigoma on display, and some run demonstrations. Tokyo's shitamachi (downtown) areas have museums that feature old street games, and regional towns sometimes hold toy fairs. Check museum calendars for events and hands-on sessions. Beigoma clubs exist in Japan, and some hold tournaments that welcome spectators. These events can be found through municipal notices or enthusiast websites.

Some are suited for children, and others are for experienced players, so look at the description carefully. You can also find simple sets in souvenir shops and old-fashioned toy stores. A starter menko set is inexpensive, and a basic beigoma set usually includes tops, a cord and a small mat. Dagashiya shops often carry cards. Local libraries and community centers sometimes host play days for children, which can also be a chance to watch.

Playing safely, making your own and why the games endure

Homemade menko can be made from heavy cardstock cut into circles or squares. Cut several layers and glue them together for extra weight, then decorate them with drawings. This is a good craft activity for families. When playing beigoma, set up the tub on a stable surface and keep your face away from the path of flying tops. Metal tops can bounce off the edge, so use a barrier or a deep tub, and play where there is plenty of space.

Younger children need supervision, as the tops are small and hard. Always wash hands after handling metal tops, since they can carry oil or dust. Store them in a dry place to avoid rust. Menko and beigoma are valued for what they teach without lessons: patience, practice, fair play and a sense of community. They are cheap, portable and easy to understand. Adults who played as children often feel a warm nostalgia on seeing them again.

They also connect to wider cultural trends. The same collecting and trading spirit that drives menko can be seen in trading card games today. The same pleasure in spinning tops appears in modern toys. People enjoy seeing old ideas reappear in new forms. If you are exploring Japanese traditional play, other toys to try include kendama, koma spinning tops, otedama beanbags and hanetsuki battledore games at New Year. A visit to a toy museum can give context for them all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between menko and beigoma?

Menko are thick cards that players try to flip by slapping their own card down nearby, while beigoma are small metal spinning tops that players clash in a tub. Both are traditional children's games, but they use different skills: wrist technique for menko, winding and throwing for beigoma.

Are menko still sold in Japan?

Yes. New menko cards with anime characters, mascots and seasonal designs are sold in toy stores and dagashiya shops. Vintage cards are also collected and sold in secondhand stores and markets, and some museums display older examples as part of the history of popular print culture.

Can visitors try these games?

Some museums, festivals and toy fairs offer hands-on sessions, and clubs occasionally welcome spectators. Check local event calendars for dates. Souvenir and toy shops also sell simple sets so you can play at home, and beginner menko sets are usually inexpensive.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Kendama: Japan's Cup-and-Ball Skill Toy, Japanese Arcades: UFO Catchers and Rhythm Games and Dagashiya: Japan's Penny Candy Shops.