Translation guide
A traditional Japanese game in which players match pairs of clam shells, often decorated with matching designs or poetry, typically associated with the Heian period and New Year's celebrations.
貝合わせは、蛤の貝殻を使った伝統的な遊びです。
What is kai-awase?
A traditional game using clam shells, often with matching painted designs.
Referring to the traditional shell-matching game
The standard Japanese term for the game of matching clam shells. It can refer to the historical court game or modern simplified versions.
貝合わせは平安時代の貴族の遊びです。
Kai-awase is a game of the Heian period nobility.
Referring to the physical objects, the painted clam shells
Literally 'kai-awase shells', used when specifically talking about the shells themselves, often as art objects or collectibles.
この貝合わせの貝は美しい絵が描かれています。
These kai-awase shells are painted with beautiful pictures.
Refers to the container or set of shells used for kai-awase, often an octagonal box with matching pairs. Can imply the whole game set.
貝桶には360個の貝が入っています。
The kaioke contains 360 shells.
Kai-awase was popular among Heian court nobles and is associated with elegance and refinement. It is sometimes played during New Year's or featured in museums and cultural events. The term can also refer to modern shell-matching games for children, but the historical connotation is strong.