100 Selected Kendama Tricksけん玉の技百選

Kendama, a traditional Japanese skill toy, has been enjoyed for a long time, but recently it has regained popularity among young people under names like 'Street Kendama' and 'Extreme Kendama.' The '100 Selected Kendama Tricks' were chosen in 2000 by the Japan Kendama Association's 25th Anniversary Committee. These tricks range from simple ones suitable for beginners to extremely difficult ones that only a few people in Japan can perform.

At the 'Japan Kendama Championship,' competitions are held using 12 selected tricks from the 100 Selected Kendama Tricks, attracting many challengers nationwide. The tricks are categorized under various names such as 'Plate type,' 'Moshikame type,' 'Tomeken type,' and 'Special type.' Beginners often start with the 'Big Plate' trick, which involves lifting the ball hanging below and placing it on the big plate.

Other 'Plate type' tricks include placing the ball on the 'Middle Plate' and 'Small Plate.' The 'Moshikame type' involves moving the ball back and forth between the big and middle plates without dropping it, a trick familiar to many who have played kendama. The 'Ayatori type' involves holding the ball and hooking the ken (handle) into loops made with fingers, offering a different way to enjoy kendama beyond placing the ball on the ken.

Kendama is a deeply engaging activity that not only cultivates concentration but also provides joy and a sense of accomplishment when mastering many tricks beautifully.