The “Kendama” is a traditional Japanese toy that you’ll often see at souvenir stores in Japan, but how exactly does it work?
This article provides a quick history and instructional guide to using the kendama, Japan’s traditional cup and ball toy. By the end of this guide, you’ll not only understand the meaning of the word kendama, but also the origins of the game and how to master this beloved Japanese tradition.
A Brief History of “Kendama”
Kendama means “sword and ball,” a variation of the classical cup and ball game you may be familiar with, named so for its pointed stick in addition to the two cups on each side.
Unlike the latter, kendama is a far more challenging game that requires technique, finesse, and excellent hand-eye coordination.
Interestingly, it has its roots in the French game of Bilboquet, a sword and ball toy similar to a kendama but limited to only the “sword” part (no cups) and also a shorter string and less ergonomic handle.
How to Play
Kendama is a simple game that requires the player to swing the ball and try to land it in either the cups or on the sword.
Difficulty varies, the big cup being the easiest, followed by the small cup, and finally the sword being the most difficult to accomplish.
While there are many different ways to catch the ball in kendama, I found the most effective way is to use small wrist and shoulder movements while keeping the elbow and forearm firm (but to each his own!).
Listen to the Experts!
While this simple game has been played by just about every kid in Japan, its intricate design has allowed for the emergence of elite-level catches involving stylish swings and performative tricks.
In fact, there are more than 30,000 tricks to master in this simple wooden toy game, kind of like the Japanese version of a yo-yo!
On YouTube, you will find incredibly skilled kendama users, many of whom aren’t even Japanese, with how-to guides on performing the best tricks to catching that ball in style!
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