Experience interacting with makers and players at the birthplace of kendama, one of Japan's most popular local toys

【STORY】

Hatsukaichi City is the birthplace of kendama. "KENDAMA WOLRD CUP" was held here for the first time in the world, and kendama players gathered from all over the world.

Kendama is a wooden toy that has been popular in Japan for centuries. It is said that kendama first appeared in Japan in the mid-Edo period. In the Meiji era (1868-1912), kendama became very popular as a wooden toy, but at that time, kendama had a simple shape with a ball on a stick. The current form was adopted in 1921 (Taisho 10). A woodworking manufacturer in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, which at the time manufactured furniture accessories, incorporated a saucer into the conventional kendama and began manufacturing it as the "Jitsu-Getsu(Sun and Moon) Ball." This is the prototype of today's kendama.

There was a period of time when the history of kendama also came to a halt, as kendama production ceased in 1998 due to the shift away from wooden toys. However, the Hatsukaichi Wood Utilization Center in Hiroshima Prefecture revived kendama production in 2000, and production resumed in 2001. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular as a street sport, especially in the United States.

Cherry trees and beech are used as materials for kendama, and each part of the ball, plate, and body is shaved using a lathe machine. The balls are mainly made of cherry wood, and the sword and plate body parts are mainly made of beech wood. Each piece is shaved, polished, and assembled, and manufactured with meticulous attention to millimeter-by-millimeter work. Unlike toys made of metal or plastic, the warmth of wooden products and the warmth of the craftsman's thoughts and feelings are part of their appeal.

In recent years, since the 2000s, kendama has become increasingly popular as a street sport overseas, especially in the United States. "The 1st Kendama World Cup Hatsukaichi 2014" was held in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, the birthplace of kendama, by the Kendama World Cup Hatsukaichi Executive Committee. Since then, the Kendama World Cup has been held annually from 2015 to 2019, and in 2021, "the 8th Kendama World Cup" will be held online to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kendama and conducted online at 9 venues nationwide. The Global Kendama Network (GLOKEN) is a general incorporated association with the slogan "Connecting the world through Kendama." Kendama enthusiasts from all over the world gather to compete in this event and show off their tricks (skills). Kendama continues to be loved and played an active role as "one of the tools of communication" that transcends generations and national borders.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Hatsukaichi is said to be the birthplace of kendama! History of Kendama made in Hatsukaichi 100 years ago
• The town where the world's first event "KENDAMA WOLRD CUP" was held! The history of the store and shopping district is also introduced.
• What is the legendary kendama, the original "MUGEN MUSOU" kendama brand from Iwata Co., Ltd.?
• Kendama is now a cool sport. Let's learn the best tricks using kendama!
• The kendama used in the experience will be given away! Many kendama are available in the store, and more can be purchased!
  

【SCHEDULE】

[10:00]　The history of kendama and the story of kendama production in Hatsukaichi, made possible by the city's concentration of lumber
[10:15]　 The history of Iwata Co., Ltd., which makes kendama, and the creation of a place that connects kendama players with the region.
[10:30]　Showcases cool kendama skills!
[10:40]　Let's actually learn and try techniques using kendama.
[11:00]　End

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：1 hour
• Meeting point：Kendama Shop Yume.
  2-3-10, Hatsukaichi, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima 738-0013 [MAP]
• Access：
  3-minute walk from South exit of JR Hatsukaichi Station
  2-minute walk from Hiroden-hatsukaichi Station
  
• Language support：Japanese, English
• Included：Kendama (1 pc.) as a present
• Participation requirements：
  ・Up to two children under 5 years old accompanied by an adult may attend free of charge.
  ・Wheelchairs are accessible.
  ・Strollers are accessible.
  ・Infants are required to sit on laps.
  ・Infant seats are available.
  
• Special support：Luggage storage is available.
• Free WI-FI：Yes
• Toiet：Yes (Western-style)

【HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES】

・Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100%
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.