All images by JASH GEN-J Facilitator Keiko Tsubokura

For Week 7 of Kayo美 Kai, JASH invites you to create your own kendama in celebration of Kendama Day on May 14th.

What is a kendama?

A kendama (けん玉; けんだま) is wooden skill toy that comes from Japan. It strengthens hand eye coordination, balance, and reflexes. It can be played by young and old alike.

The kendama is made up of the ken (けん; handle) and the tama (たま; ball), which is connected by a string. Kendama tricks are done by juggling the ball through the three cups, spiking the ball with the ken spike, and balancing both in new creative ways. Mastering the kendama takes practice, focus, patience, and creativity.

What is Kendama Day?

The kendama shape that we have come to know today has derived from the design of Mr. Egi Hama. It was called Nichigetsu Ball (日月ボール; Sun-and-moon ball) because the ball looked like the sun, while the shape of the shallow carved cups were like a crescent moon. This original prototype of kendama, nichi getsu boru, was registered on the 14th of May 1919.

Kendama Day was officially recognized by Japan Anniversary Association in 2017 and is celebrated on the 14th of May in honor of the prototype’s registration.

Materials to make a kendama:

Paper squares (origami paper is preferred as it is precut; however, printer paper, newspaper or wrapping paper trimmed into a square will also work)
Sturdy ribbon or string
Scissors
Tape
Plastic or Styrofoam cups
Stickers/markers/paint (optional)