Aka Makigami Ao Makigami — Japanese Tongue Twister

赤巻紙青巻紙黄巻紙 (Aka makigami ao makigami ki makigami)

赤巻紙青巻紙黄巻紙 (Aka makigami ao makigami ki makigami)

Red rolled paper, blue rolled paper, yellow rolled paper

Why Is It Hard?

Three colour names (aka, ao, ki) each paired with makigami (rolled paper) must be said in quick succession. The ma-ki-ga-mi pattern sounds deceptively simple until you try repeating it three times fast. The vowel shifts between colour words disrupt the rhythm just enough to cause stumbles.

History

This tongue twister appears in Japanese children’s speech drill books alongside namanmugi. The three primary colours make it visually memorable and easy to teach. It is often used in theatre warm-ups in Japan because it exercises the lips and jaw simultaneously.

Tips for Saying It

• Practise each colour plus makigami separately before chaining them.
• Keep your jaw relaxed — tension causes the makigami syllables to blur.
• Try whispering it first, then build to full voice.

More Japanese Tongue Twisters

• Japanese Tongue Twisters — full collection
• Tongue Twisters for Kids — great for children
• Funny Tongue Twisters — laugh while you practise

Find hundreds more on alltonguetwisters.com.