How to win at rock, paper, scissors
Life as an expat in Japan can be one long chain of ritual humblings, none more so than when you discover that any kid there aged five and above can thrash your imported hide at the great Japanese game of rock, paper scissors. No more, we say -- the beatings end today.
For that release, we owe our thanks to one Richard Cook of University College London.
Janken secrets
As part of his graduate-school work in cognitive, perceptual and brain sciences, Cook and colleagues tested 45 adults on their abilities at janken, as the game of chance is called in its land of origin.
By comparing the results of blindfolded and sighted players, Cook found that players able to see the shapes thrown in front of them tended to react slightly more slowly than those who couldn’t.
In other words, there appears to be a built-in delay to allow us to either imitate others or at least be influenced by what they do.
Just do it
The upshot of the trial is that if you want to beat that snot-nosed whippersnapper next time he creeps up bellowing, “じゃん、けん、ぽん、あいこでしょ”, just keep your eyes closed and do what comes naturally -- it’ll give you a slight edge.
And don't blame us when you get called a big bullying cheat and shoved toward the nearest airport.
