If you’ve strolled through Ala Moana Beach Park on a Wednesday afternoon, you may have spotted a lively group of seniors in hats and visors, laughing and tapping red and white balls across a grassy field. They’re not playing croquet—they’re playing Gateball, a popular Japanese team sport that’s all about skill, strategy, and community.
What Is Gateball?
Gateball is a fun, fast-paced game similar to croquet but played in teams. It was invented in Japan in 1947 as a way for all ages—especially seniors—to enjoy friendly competition and physical activity.
Teams and Gameplay
- Two teams of five players each (red and white) compete.
- Players take turns hitting their balls in a specific order (numbered 1–10).
- The goal is to pass through all three gates and hit the goal pole to score points.
- Players can also “touch” and “spark” (strike) other balls strategically to reposition them—similar to billiards or curling tactics.
What Makes Gateball Unique
- Strategy: It’s often called a “thinking person’s sport” because of the planning and teamwork required.
- Inclusive: It’s easy to learn and gentle on the body, making it popular among seniors, but enjoyable for all ages.
- Social: Encourages cooperation, respect, and community spirit—especially in Hawai‘i, where it’s often played with the spirit of Aloha.
Cultural and Health Benefits
- Promotes physical activity (walking, bending, coordination).
- Stimulates mental focus and memory through strategy and counting turns.
- Builds social connections and a sense of teamwork.
- Encourages intergenerational play—grandparents, parents, and children can all participate together.
Here in Honolulu, Lanakila Seniors meet every Wednesday at Ala Moana Beach Park for practice. Organized by Art Kimura, these gatherings are about more than just a game—they’re a celebration of movement, friendship, and community.
From Honolulu to Okinawa
Ōgimi, Okinawa, Japan, has one of the world’s highest proportions of centenarians—people who live to be 100 or older. Many attribute their longevity to healthy diets, regular physical activity, strong community ties, and social play such as Gateball.
Next spring, Art and some of the Lanakila seniors will travel to Ōgimi for a friendship Gateball match, bringing customized “With Aloha” Gateball gates, mallets, and balls as gifts from Hawai‘i.
Supporting Hawai‘i’s Kūpuna
Last year, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i helped 5,525 kūpuna (seniors) stay healthy and active through its senior-focused programs and services. These included transportation, housing assistance, memory care support, and community engagement opportunities like those offered at the Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center.
Through programs like these, kūpuna across Hawai‘i continue to thrive—staying active, connected, and full of life, just like the Gateball players at Ala Moana Beach Park.
Gateball isn’t just a sport—it’s teamwork, connection, and Aloha in action. ️
