A pair of wooden sticks struck together to mark rhythm or signal, used in traditional music, theater, and festivals.
歌舞伎では、拍子木を打って幕が開く。
In kabuki, the curtain opens with the striking of wooden clappers.
夜回りの人が拍子木を鳴らしながら歩いている。
The night watchman walks around striking wooden clappers.
Compound of 拍子 (hyōshi, 'rhythm, beat') and 木 (ki, 'wood'), referring to wooden sticks used to keep time.