Kendama – a traditional Japanese wooden toy

What is Kendama?

Kendama is a traditional Japanese game of skill. Japan has a long tradition of games that have been played by children and adults for generations. These include, for example, origami(折り紙), spinning tops(独楽), karuta(かるた), and hane-tsuki (a traditional battledore game)(羽付き).

Kendama(けん玉) consists of a wooden handle (ken 剣), a ball, and a string. The goal is to catch the ball in one of the cups or on the spike of the ken. This requires concentration, coordination, and practice.

 

The History of Kendama

The exact origin of the Kendama is not fully understood. Similar games of skill involving a ball and a stick already existed in various parts of the world.

In Japan, comparable games were known by at least the Edo period (1603–1868). Over time, these developed into a distinct Japanese game tradition.

An important development took place in 1919: the wood craftsman Hamaji Egusa developed the so-called "Nichigetsu Ball" (日月ボール) in Hatsukaichi (廿日市市) in Hiroshima Prefecture. With its multiple cups, it is considered a key predecessor of the modern Kendama.

Hatsukaichi remains closely linked to the history of the Kendama to this day and is known as Japan's "Kendama City."

Similar Games in Europe

Similar games also exist in Europe. In France, the bilboquet is well-known, and in England, the cup-and-ball. In Germany, they are known as fangbecher (catch-cup) games.

The toys differ in their shape and way of playing, but they share one thing in common: you need skill to catch the ball securely.

 

Kendama Today

Kendama looks back on a history of over 100 years and now inspires people all over the world. There are international Kendama competitions, shows, and workshops.

In Germany, there are also Kendama workshops and impressive Kendama shows on stage, and Lisa offers such events and shows how versatile Kendama can be.

Feel free to check out our Instagram and discover more!