Pillow fights in Japan: how a children's game turned into a real sport

Since 2013, national pillow fights or, as they are also called, Makura-Nage (translated from Japanese "makura" — "pillow", "nage" — "throw") have been held in Japan. Both adults and children take part in them, and the best players even receive gifts!

Initially, pillow fights were arranged by local children during school trips, but now even some hotels hold Makura-Nage championships to attract tourists. And a recent advertising campaign with the participation of the famous gymnast Hatakeyama took this sport to a new level and added a special gloss to it.

According to the authors ' idea, the gymnast demonstrates four aspects of the game. The first is a dream. Makura-Nage begins with all the participants pretending to be asleep.

The second is an attack. After the whistle sounds, all the participants jump up and start throwing pillows at each other.

The third is evasion. As in any other game of this kind, participants must dodge the "projectile" flying at them.

And if you can't avoid it — defend yourself! Block the pillows with a blanket. It's so much fun!

And, of course, in this game you can not do without a presenter who will cheer the participants through a loudspeaker.

The advertising campaign was sponsored by the Ito City Tourism Department. Many travelers stop by in Japan not only to personally get acquainted with all its follies, but also to play a match in Makura-Nage.

Some Japanese hotels have even started to equip large halls with tatami mats, where all guests can play pillow fights. And the number of applicants is only increasing every day.