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What Is a Geisha Game? How to Play the Classic Ozashiki Asobi Game Toratora
Updated: Aug 31
Experience the Charm of Geisha: Traditional Dances and Games in Ozashiki Asobi
Ozashiki asobi refers to traditional geisha dances and games played with geisha in a Ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant). While the term sometimes refers only to the games played during a banquet, it usually includes both the geisha’s dances and games.
For a complete guide to ozashiki asobi — including all 11 games, etiquette, pricing, and a phantom game found nowhere else online — see our full guide:
[Ozashiki Asobi in Tokyo: A Complete Guide to Geisha Culture, Games, Etiquette & a 'Phantom' Drinking Game] (https://travel.edokagura.com/post/ozashiki-asobi-in-tokyo-complete-guide-geisha-culture-games)
'Toratora': One of the Most Popular Ozashiki Asobi Games Among Foreign Tourists
In this blog, we’ll introduce 'Toratora,' one of the most popular ozashiki asobi games for foreign tourists. We’ll explain its rules and history in a simple way. It's important to understand the rules in advance, as knowing them will make the game much more enjoyable.
There are many different types of ozashiki games, but the classics are "Konpira Funefune" and "Toratora." "Konpira Funefune" is a rhythm game, while "Toratora" is a game that can be described as a full-body version of rock-paper-scissors. The name "Toratora" means "Tiger Tiger."
"Toratora" is particularly popular among foreigners due to its easy-to-remember lyrics and melody. It’s not uncommon to hear foreign guests singing "Toratora, Toratora" while waiting for their taxis after the banquet.
How to Play Ozashiki Asobi "Toratora"
This is a game where two people use their entire bodies in a version of "rock-paper-scissors." First, the geisha will demonstrate the game and lead the guests through it, so even beginners can enjoy it.
A screen or sliding door is set up between the guest and the geisha so that they cannot see each other.
Both the guest and geisha choose a pose to match the song, and at the same time, they lean out from behind the screen to reveal their pose.
The poses are:
Samurai (Watounai): A pose as if thrusting a spear.
Tiger: A crouching pose, like a tiger.
Old Woman (Grandma): A pose as if using a cane.
Rules for Winning and Losing
Samurai beats Tiger (Watounai’s spear defeats the tiger).
Tiger beats Grandma (the tiger defeats the old woman).
Grandma beats Samurai (the old woman defeats Watounai).
If both players choose the same gesture, it’s a tie, and they must play again.
The person who loses the match must drink "Bappai (a small cup of sake as a penalty)." One of the unique features of the penalty round is that the geisha sings while the loser drinks.
Lyrics of the "Toratora" Song
Senri hashiru yona yabu no naka wo
Minasan nozoite gorouji mase
Kin no hachimaki tasuki
Watounai ga en-yara-yato
Toraeshi Kedamono wa
Toratora, Toratora
Toratora, Toratora
Toratora, Toratora
Modern Translation of the Song:
“Take a look inside a vast thicket that stretches for miles. Watounai, wearing a golden headband and sash, captures a beast. The beast is a tiger.”
Watounai refers to a character based on Zheng Chenggong (1624-1662), a Ming Dynasty politician. In Japan, Watounai is also associated with the legendary tiger-slaying general Kato Kiyomasa (1562-1611).
For Foreign Tourists
Foreign tourists may find it difficult to remember all the lyrics, so just clapping along and singing the "Toratora, Toratora" part is enough to keep the fun going. This part alone will get everyone involved and create a lively atmosphere.
The Origins of Toratora
"Toratora" is a traditional ozashiki asobi game derived from Chikamatsu Monzaemon’s joruri play "Kokusenya Kassen." The game has existed as ozashiki entertainment since the early Meiji period (1868-1912). Throughout history, there have been many games based on the concept of a "three-way standoff," and Toratora is one of those games that became part of ozashiki culture.
That was a brief introduction to "Toratora." To help make it easier to understand, we’ve included a YouTube video of geisha playing the game. However, in an actual ozashiki, it’s usually played between a guest and a geisha, or between two guests, making it even more exciting. The penalty drinks add to the fun, and it’s no wonder that "Toratora" is so popular with foreign tourists.
Now it’s your turn to enjoy "Toratora." It’s a game that brings happiness to everyone involved!
Toratora is just one of many ozashiki games. Curious about the others — including a phantom game that even veteran geisha in Kagurazaka had never heard of?
[Read our Complete Guide to Ozashiki Asobi in Tokyo] (https://travel.edokagura.com/post/ozashiki-asobi-in-tokyo-complete-guide-geisha-culture-games)
Ready to experience it yourself?
[Book Your Ozashiki Asobi in Kagurazaka] (https://travel.edokagura.com/geishaatluxuryryotei)
Interested in a Once-a-Year Geisha Experience?
Around February 3, Kagurazaka geisha take part in Setsubun Obake, a playful seasonal tradition in which they dress in unusual costumes.
EDO KAGURA is currently exploring a special Setsubun Obake geisha experience for February 2027, including close interaction with geisha and traditional ozashiki games.
Interested in joining?
About the Author
Shinya Yamada is the founder and CEO of EDO KAGURA, based in Kagurazaka, Tokyo — a neighborhood he has called home for over 25 years.
He has personally experienced ozashiki asobi as a guest at Kagurazaka's traditional ryotei and has attended geisha events throughout the district over many years. Through these experiences, he has built close relationships with Kagurazaka's ryotei proprietresses and geisha.
This guide draws on that firsthand familiarity with Tokyo's living geisha culture.
How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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