What is a Kendama

WHAT IS A KENDAMA? 

This stylish Kendama is an extremely addictive wooden skill toy that comes from Japan. It strengthens hand eye coordination, balance, and reflex. It can be played by young and old alike. There are endless trick possibilities for both the beginner and the seasoned master.

The Kendama is made up of the “Ken” (handle) and the “Tama” (ball), which is connected by a string.  The Kendama tricks are done by variations of juggling the ball in the 3 cups, spiking the ball with the Ken spike, and balancing both in new creative ways.  Mastering the Kendama takes practice, focus, patience, and creativity.

 

 

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 The kendama is traditionally made out of wood and comprises the following parts:

  1. Main body ken (剣).
  2. Spike kensaki (剣先).
  3. Big cup ōzara (大皿).
  4. Base cup chūzara (中皿).
  5. Small cup kozara (小皿).
  6. Tama tama (玉).
  7. Hole ana (穴).
  8. String ito (糸).
  9. Cup body saradō (皿胴).
  10. Small cup edge kozara no fuchi (小皿のふち).
  11. Big cup for lunars ōzara no fuchi (大皿のふち).
  12. Slip-stop or slip grip suberidome (すべり止め).
  13. Back end kenjiri (けんじり).
  14. String attachment hole ito toritsuke ana (糸取り付け穴).

WHY BUY KENDAMA?

We love that the Kendama is a simple, productive, interactive toy that strengthens mental and physical skills while you play.  In today’s world of toys bombarded with flashy lights, computers, and mainstream entertainment, the Kendama stands out with its simple design and creative new ways to have fun.