Kendama, a traditional Japanese skill toy, is a fascinating blend of simplicity and precision. It consists of a handle known as the ken, a pair of cups called sarado, and a ball or tama, all connected by a string. At one end of the ken is a narrow spike, or kensaki, designed to fit snugly into the hole (ana) of the tama. The kendamaās structure makes it feel familiar to fans of the classic cup-and-ball game, as itās a Japanese evolution of the French bilboquet. Kendama’s minimalist design opens the door to an endless range of tricks and combinations, often involving gripping and releasing the toy in surprising ways.
Kendamaās roots are thought to go back to the 17th or 18th century, although its exact origins are still debated. The toy arrived in Japan during the Edo period, where it evolved into its current form, spreading widely across Japanese society. Over the years, kendama has become popular worldwide, with enthusiasts regularly competing in events like the Kendama World Cup in Japan. These competitions bring together players of all skill levels to perform breathtaking tricks, showcasing the precision and dexterity required to master kendama. Part of the beauty of kendama lies in its adaptability. Modern kendamas come in various sizesāsuch as mini and jumboāand materials like wood, plastic, metal, and even nylon. The different designs open up new ways to play and expand the possibilities of the game.
Players can choose from several grips, with each grip lending itself to specific tricks. For example, the ken grip involves holding the handle with all five fingers, positioning the spike upward and keeping the large or small cup facing the body. The sara grip, on the other hand, requires players to hold the ken by placing the thumb and index finger below the intersection of the sarado and ken, providing a stable grip for certain tricks. Meanwhile, the candle grip requires three fingers to hold the ken with the spike pointed downwards, adding yet another layer of versatility.
In Vancouver, kendama has developed a unique, thriving community, with local companies like Terra Kendama and Rage Quit hosting regular events and jams. This passionate kendama scene has some striking parallels with other countercultural movements. In Vancouver, itās not uncommon to find kendama events bringing together fingerboarders, skateboarders, and even scooter riders, all drawn to the shared challenge of pushing limits, innovating tricks, and building connections through the joy of skill toys.
The kendama community shows how a simple wooden toy can bring people together across backgrounds, inspire creativity, and ignite passion in unexpected ways. Whether it’s a quiet backyard session or a spirited jam, kendama continues to captivate and challenge players worldwide, blending cultural tradition with modern expression.
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