On Terama Island, Okinawa prefecture, there is a traditional custom called “moriane” in which 10±-year-old children provide childcare for younger children, regardless of their family relation to the latter. Although this custom as become less common over the past few decades, playgroups among children of different ages are still frequently observed on this island. The present study consisted of a naturalistic observation survey of children’s playmate relationship on Tarama Island. The researchers cycled around the village and recorded information about the observed playgroups, including the location and the genders and ages of the group members, using an IC recorder. Data collection was performed several times on 3 days from July 2014 to November 2015. From data obtained in seven sessions (total observation time: 413 minutes), the children observed in each session were plotted on a map, and their characteristics were examined. Analyses of 57 playgroups revealed that large (6 or more members) mixed-gender, multiage playgroups gathered at the center of the village. The fact that there is little traffic and limited places for children to gather and play together, as well as the idea that it is natural for older children to take care of and play with younger children, are thought to have contributed to the formation of these peer relationships.
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