When the chime rings, students eagerly reach into their bags and pull out kendama, ohajiki, paper balloons, and bamboo-copters. At one elementary school in Hong Kong, a daily five-minute “Traditional Toy Time” has been introduced between classes—a short but meaningful break from smartphones.

For just a few moments, there are no screens, no sounds, and no need for power. Instead, children engage with analog toys that offer tactile joy and quiet presence. This simple practice is bringing a fresh sense of delight and emotional breathing space to their fast-paced digital lives.

A Moment of Pause in a Digitally Saturated Day

Like many places around the world, children in Hong Kong now live much of their daily lives surrounded by smartphones and tablets. From class apps and homework submissions to messaging, games, and videos—most waking hours unfold behind a screen.

“There are days when children never once touch a physical object for play,” says Ms. Wong, the principal who introduced the “Traditional Toy Time” initiative. “That’s exactly why choosing something so opposite—like old-fashioned toys—holds real value today.”

Her inspiration came from a visit to schools in Japan, where she observed kendama clubs and hands-on craft sessions. These simple but powerful ideas led her to bring a touch of analog warmth into her own school, offering students a chance to reconnect with their senses—and each other.

Even Five Minutes Can Make a Difference

At first, there were doubts—“Is five minutes really enough?” “Can children even enjoy such short playtime?” But once the program began, everything changed. The children quickly learned to focus, get creative, and enjoy playing with others—even within a limited timeframe.

With kendama, for example, some set personal goals like “Today, I’ll try ‘Moshikame’ 20 times.” With ohajiki, others would spontaneously challenge a classmate sitting next to them. In those brief moments, truly creative and collaborative play began to flourish.

One teacher observed, “We started seeing expressions on their faces that we never saw with smartphone games—frustration, laughter, concentration. The kids began to engage with others, think for themselves, and find their own ways to improve. That’s a transformation worth celebrating.”

The Educational Value of Traditional Toys

Ohajiki, taketombo, paper balloons, and yo-yos—each of these classic Japanese toys may appear simple, yet they carry deep educational value.

• Kendama: Enhances concentration, hand-eye coordination, and rhythm

• Ohajiki: Develops spatial awareness, turn-taking skills, and social interaction

• Taketombo (bamboo-copter): Cultivates physical awareness, imagination, and creative thinking

• Paper Balloons: Encourages sensory play, breath control, and delicate motor skills

These toys offer a form of physical learning that cannot be gained by simply tapping a screen. They are rich in opportunities for “growing through play,” especially meaningful during key developmental stages in childhood. For young learners, play is not just entertainment—it’s the foundation for growth.

A Catalyst for “Co-Learning” That Includes Parents

This initiative is beginning to extend into the home. When a child brings a kendama home from school, the mother picks it up and says, “I remember this!” That often leads to grandparents chiming in: “Ours used to be made of glass.” These toys are sparking new conversations—creating moments where play becomes a bridge between generations.

In other words, traditional toys are not just for children—they can serve as tools for shared experiences across age groups. They are opening doors to renewed interest in Japanese culture and a reappreciation of the wisdom of the past.

What Children Gain by Putting Down the Smartphone

The goal of this initiative isn’t to forbid smartphones—it’s to help children discover that there is joy beyond the screen. During just five minutes of analog play, children learn to wait, to fail, and to struggle with things that don’t come easily. And in doing so, they begin to grow from within.

One elementary school student shared, “It feels amazing when I land a kendama trick. It’s frustrating when I can’t, but it makes me want to try again. It feels like I’m using my brain more than when I’m on my phone.”

Conclusion: A Small Five Minutes, a Big Change

Five minutes may seem short—but within that time, children experience joy, discovery, and meaningful growth. As they set down their smartphones and engage with the toys in front of them, they begin to reclaim something essential: a sense of presence and awareness that modern life often rushes past.

This simple act of slowing down and connecting with the physical world is a small but powerful step toward nurturing the senses and spaces today’s children truly need.