small wooden clappers; rakugo scene-change markers
A pair of square wooden rods used in Kansai-style rakugo storytelling to signal scene transitions or punctuate the performance.
In Kamigata rakugo, they strike the kobyōshi to signal a scene change.
Compound of 小 (small) and 拍子 (beat, rhythm), referring to the small clappers used to keep time or mark transitions in traditional performance.