跳(と)び箱(ばこ)

Composed of 跳(と)び (jumping) + 箱(ばこ) (box). A quintessential piece of Japanese school gym equipment. The box consists of stacked trapezoidal sections (typically 5-8 levels), and students run up to it, push off a springboard, and vault over it. The height is adjusted by adding or removing sections.

Common collocations

• 跳(と)び箱(ばこ)を跳(と)ぶ: to vault over the box
• 跳(と)び箱(ばこ)八(はち)段(だん): eight-level vaulting box
• 跳(と)び箱(ばこ)が得意(とくい): to be good at vaulting
• 跳(と)び箱(ばこ)が苦手(にがて): to be bad at vaulting

Types

• 開脚(かいきゃく)跳(と)び: straddle vault (legs apart)
• 閉脚(へいきゃく)跳(と)び: squat vault (legs together)
• 台上(だいじょう)前転(ぜんてん): forward roll on top of the box

Cultural note

The 跳(と)び箱(ばこ) is a nearly universal experience in Japanese physical education. Being able to clear a high number of levels is a source of pride for children.