Hanetsuki is a traditional Japanese game that is usually played by girls. It resembles badminton but does not use a net, instead using wooden paddles called hagoita to keep a feather shuttlecock called a hane in the air. The aim is to continue hitting the hane between players without letting it drop, as dropping it results in having one's face smeared with black ink. It was often played during New Years celebrations and exorcisms in the Muromachi period and is believed to increase protection for the coming year based on how long the hane stays aloft.

1. The Japanese make this game, it is one of their traditional games and it is usually played by girls
throughout Muromachi times (1333-1568). During New Years it is a game that mainly girls will
play and it was previously used as during an exorcism. Hanetsuki can be played with as many
players as you would like, it also resembles badminton. In contrast this game does not have a net
and it is played with a rectangular shaped wooden paddle called hagoita. Also, vivid colored
shuttlecock which is called a hane made from, feathers and hard soapberry. The object of the
game is to keep the hane in the air for as long as possible by hitting it off of the hagoita between
each player. If you are doing this with just yourself you would do the same but only by hitting it
off your one hagoita. It is believed the longer the hane stays in the air, the longer your protection
is increased for the following year. Although If a player drops the hane their face with be
smeared with black ink.
Video: https://youtu.be/hllH1CRQKXw

2. "Traditional Japanese Game: Hanetsuki ." Gaijinpot. N.p., 17 Jan. 2013. Web. 2 July2015. Path:
http://injapan.gaijinpot.com/play/arts-entertainment/2013/01/17/traditional-japanese-game-hanetsuki/.