is a simple Japanese

singing game A singing game is an activity based on a particular verse or rhyme, usually associated with a set of actions and movements. As a collection, they have been studied by folklorists, ethnologists, and psychologists and are seen as important part of ...

that is played on cold days in order to get warm. The game is played with at least three players, but it is better if there are more. The players first gather around in a circle, as close to each other as possible. They face the outside, standing back to back with each other. When the game starts, the players powerfully shove backwards, pressing their backs towards other players' backs as they

chant A chant (from French ', from Latin ', "to sing") is the iterative speaking or singing of words or sounds, often primarily on one or two main pitches called reciting tones. Chants may range from a simple melody involving a limited set of notes ...

"''Oshikura Manju osarete nakuna''", meaning "Oshikura Manju don't cry when shoved". The chant is the most famous part of the song, and many people are familiar with only this part. However, the proper song continues; ''"Nakuko wa dare yowamushi kemushi hasannde sutero"'' ("Who is crying? Pinch the coward and caterpillar, and throw them away").{{Citation needed, date=January 2008 The players continue shoving each other, repeating this song over and over. There is no accurate end to this game. One variation to the game is to play in a circle drawn on the ground. The game goes on with whoever pushed out of that circle getting out of the group, ending when one player left in the circle. The word "Oshikura" in the name of this game is thought to have the meaning of ''"oshikurabe"'' (shoving competition), but originally, it was not a competitive game, but an easygoing one where players become absorbed in shoving each other vigorously, which results in them being warmed up.

External links

A memory about playing Oshikura Manju
(Japanese) Children's games Singing games