Learn about the history and present day of “KENDAMA”, which was born from the woodworking techniques that supported the construction of Itsukushima Shrine.

【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】

• Kendama, one of Japan's most popular local toys, originated here in Hatsukaichi.
• Kendama originated from the woodworking techniques gathered from all over Japan for the construction of shrines and temples on Itsukushima (Miyajima).
• The kendama is provided by Iwata, creator of the legendary “MUGEN MUSOU” kendama that the world has gone crazy for.
• Lecture on Kendama performance at a shop where local young people gather
• Kendama used for the experience can be taken home as a gift
  

【SCHEDULE】

[10:00]　Why was Kendama born in Hatsukaichi City?
[10:15]　Why did Iwata revive kendama making?
[10:30]　Kendama is not just a toy for children! Watch a cool kendama performance!
[10:40]　Challenge various kendama tricks!
[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)

【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%