While running in Naruo, I cut across a park and had to do a double take.
There was a brass knuckle…

Could that dangerous weapon really be in a children’s playground!?
Let’s get a little closer and check.

It’s practically a brass knuckle.
By the way, do you all know what a “meriken sack” is?
It’s this kind of tool. A weapon worn over the fist to increase striking power.

Looking at it again, the shape is exactly alike, but it was definitely not a brass knuckle.
What a fun-looking piece of playground equipment!!
It can be a tunnel and a slide, too. It’s the kind of thing you don’t often see in other parks.

There was another fun-looking play structure beside it!
A sea lion-shaped slide! The fun playground equipment at Ueda Park in Naruo really brings out your inner child♪

There was also play equipment where you can train for rock climbing!
The colorful design and shape make you want to climb right up!!
The day an Olympic athlete emerges from Ueda Park in Naruo may not be far off.
Here it is on the map↓
The address is
In Closing
When I Googled “meriken sack” to look it up, “Meriken Park” came up instead.
Apparently they share the same origin: “American” turned into “Meriken” in Japanese♪


















