In some homes and classrooms across Hong Kong, a quiet fascination is growing around this traditional Japanese “analog toy.” Surrounded by plastic and electronic gadgets in daily life, children are now rediscovering the bamboo-copter—a simple toy that sparks imagination and brings the joy of physical play to life. Let’s explore the timeless charm of this rediscovered classic and how it continues to inspire across generations.

A World Unfolds with a Single Launch

The taketombo, or bamboo-copter, is a simple yet ingenious spinning toy made from a slender bamboo stick and a pair of wings. With a twist of the fingers, the wings spin like a propeller, sending the toy soaring into the air. While its structure is minimal, the way it’s launched—angle, force, technique—greatly influences how far and high it flies.

In Hong Kong, elementary school students are captivated by this “deceptively simple” toy. At first, many struggle to get it off the ground. But through trial and error, they begin to ask: “How can I make it fly higher?” “What angle gets the most distance?” In doing so, they naturally develop scientific thinking and bodily awareness—all through play.

“Taketombo gives you a real sense of accomplishment the moment it takes off,” says Mr. Lam, an educator who runs traditional toy workshops in Hong Kong. “It’s a tangible success that digital or programmed toys just can’t replicate.”

Crafting with Hands—Fostering Creativity Through Making

In recent years, hands-on crafting experiences using natural materials like wood and washi paper have been gaining popularity in Hong Kong—and taketombo, the bamboo-copter, is receiving fresh attention as part of this trend. At workshops and events, children sand down bamboo wings, decorate them with original artwork, and assemble their very own flying toys.

The experience of seeing “something they made themselves take flight” fills children with both wonder and pride. It also nurtures a positive mindset: the idea that “it’s okay to fail, as long as you keep trying.”

Unlike plastic toys that are simply bought and used, taketombo encourages a full cycle of engagement—touching raw materials, crafting, testing, and adjusting. This hands-on process stimulates creativity, problem-solving skills, and a love of making. In every sense, the bamboo-copter is a perfect example of how traditional play can be a powerful educational tool.

A Gentle Message from Natural Materials

Part of the charm of taketombo lies in the material itself. Made from natural bamboo, it is light, flexible, and gentle to the touch. When it takes flight on the wind, it doesn’t move with mechanical precision—but rather with the warmth and subtle imperfection that comes from human hands.

Unlike mass-produced plastic toys, each bamboo-copter carries the unique irregularities and character of natural materials. These quiet qualities speak to children’s senses, inspiring questions like, “Where did this bamboo grow?” or “Why is this piece curved?” Such curiosity can blossom into a deeper awareness of nature and the environment.

And because bamboo can be repaired, reused, and even returned to the earth, it stands as an ideal material in our sustainability-conscious era. In this way, taketombo offers not just play, but a meaningful connection to craftsmanship, ecology, and cultural heritage.

Primitive Wonder for a Generation of Technology

Surrounded by smartphones, AR games, and AI-powered toys from an early age, today’s children grow up immersed in high-tech experiences. Yet many parents and educators voice a concern—that these digital tools often lead to quick boredom and offer limited sensory engagement.

In this context, reintroducing a simple, traditional toy like the taketombo can evoke a surprisingly fresh sense of wonder and curiosity. Adjusting the angle of launch, the twist of the fingers, and sensing the movement of the wind—all through one’s own body—becomes a deeply engaging, almost “primitive” process for children accustomed to digital automation.

“As technology advances, simple things gain more value,” says a young mother in Hong Kong. On weekends, she enjoys launching bamboo-copters from her balcony with her child—a quiet moment of connection, discovery, and joy.

Conclusion: Imagination Takes Flight

At first glance, the taketombo appears incredibly simple in both design and appearance. Yet within it lies the joy of creativity, the satisfaction of making something by hand, and a deep sensitivity to the natural world.

When children launch their bamboo-copters into the sky, the light in their eyes is something no screen can replicate. As the toy dances on the wind, it feels as though their very imagination is being set free—soaring into the sky with limitless possibility.