balancing toy
A traditional Japanese balancing toy consisting of a horizontal rod with a weight at each end, pivoting on a central stand; often shaped like a person.
When I was a child, I often played with a balancing toy.
I put the balancing toy on the desk and poked it with my finger to make it sway.
Standard kanji spelling for the balancing toy.
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially for children or when the kanji are considered difficult.
The name 弥次郎兵衛 (Yajirobee) is said to come from a character in Edo-period literature, but the exact origin is uncertain. The toy itself is a traditional Japanese balancing toy.