noun
children's game of trading members via rock-paper-scissors
A traditional Japanese children's game where two lines sing a call-and-response song, then play janken (rock-paper-scissors) to win members from the opposing team. The name is often associated with the song's lyrics.
See also: じゃん拳 (じゃんけん)
子供たちが公園で花いちもんめをして遊んでいた。
The children were playing 'hana ichimonme' in the park.
Common mixed kanji-kana spelling for this traditional children's game.
Full kanji spelling; less common but still seen.
The exact origin is uncertain. The name likely comes from the song's lyrics, with '花' (flower) and '一匁' (one monme, an old unit of weight) possibly referring to a flower-selling chant or a play on words.