Small bean bags are tossed and juggled in a game similar to jacks.
[citation needed] Otedama was transmitted to Japan from China in the Nara Period.
It reached its peak of popularity in post-World War II Japan when other toys were unavailable.
In the early 1990s, a small group of people in Niihama created a club and annual convention to help restore otedama throughout Japan.
Otedama was a very popular among girls and knowledge of the game was passed down from grandmother to granddaughter.