How to Choose a Kendama: A Complete Buying Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Kendama

Overview

Kendamas are an ancient Japanese skill toy that have been around for hundreds of years. In recent years, they have become popular all over the world as a fun and challenging way to sharpen your focus and hand-eye coordination. This buying guide will provide you with an in-depth look at kendamas, what to consider when purchasing one, and our top recommendations of the best kendamas on the market. Get ready to improve your skills and have endless amounts of fun with the perfect kendama for you!

Key features

  1. Material - It is important to consider the material used for the Kendama as this can affect the feel, weight, and durability of the toy. Common materials include wood, plastic, and glass.
  2. Size - Kendama come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small to large. Consider the size that is most comfortable to use for your skill level.
  3. Weight - The weight of the Kendama has an impact on the performance of tricks. Lighter kendamas are easier to use, while heavier kendamas are more suited for advanced tricks.
  4. Shape - Kendama come in a few different shapes. Standard Kendama have a traditional shape, while other varieties such as Sarado and Mini Kendama come in a more specialized shape.
  5. Grip - The grip of the Kendama can affect its playability. Look for a Kendama with textured or grooved surfaces that provide adequate grip.
  6. Price - The cost of a Kendama can vary. Look for a Kendama that fits your budget, but also consider the quality of the materials and construction.

See the most popular Kendama on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Variety: Kendamas come in a variety of styles, colors, sizes, and materials to suit any player's taste and skill level.
  • Portable: Kendamas are small and light, making them easy to travel with or store in a pocket when not in use.
  • Challenging: Kendama is a challenging game that can be played alone or with others, and can improve hand-eye coordination and reflexes.
  • Enduring: Kendama is a classic game that has been around for hundreds of years, and can be enjoyed by all ages.
  • Inexpensive: Kendamas are generally inexpensive, making them an affordable way to get started with this classic game.

Cons

  • Cost: Kendama can be quite expensive, costing anywhere from $10-$100 USD or more depending on the quality of the product.
  • Difficulty: Kendama is considered to be a difficult game and it takes a lot of practice to become proficient at it.
  • Durability: Kendama can be fairly fragile and require regular maintenance and repair.
  • Size: Kendama are quite large and can be difficult to transport or store.

Best alternatives

  1. Hacky Sack - Footbag game made from a variety of fabric materials, often filled with rice or sand.
  2. Yoyo - Classic handheld toy with a spool connected to two pieces of string.
  3. Juggling Balls - Several balls used to practice the skill of juggling.
  4. Hula Hoop - Plastic hoop that is spun around the waist, used for fun or exercise.
  5. Jumping Rope - Long rope used to practice rhythmic jumping.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Kendama - Traditional Japanese toy consisting of a ken (sword) and tama (ball) connected by a string Extra String - Replacement string for the kendama Extra Tama - Replacement ball for the kendama JKA Approved - Kendama that is approved by the Japan Kendama Association Specialty Kendama - Kendama made of special materials such as cork, wood, and metal Kendama Stand - Stand to display a kendama Kendama Bag - Bag to store and carry a kendama Kendama Wax - Wax to improve grip on the ken and tama Kendama Coaster - Coaster to protect a kendama from damaging surfaces Kendama Glue - Glue used to repair a kendama

Common questions

  1. What kind of material is a Kendama made out of?
    A Kendama is typically made of wood, but they can also be made out of plastic, metal, and even rubber.
  2. What is the difference between a traditional Kendama and a modern Kendama?
    Modern Kendama are typically made of lighter materials, such as plastic or metal. They also often have a wider range of colors and styles than traditional Kendamas.
  3. What age group is best suited for using a Kendama?
    Kendama can be used by people of all ages, but it is generally recommended for ages eight and up.
  4. Is it possible to customize a Kendama?
    Yes, some Kendama manufacturers offer customizable options, such as painting the Kendama or adding stickers.
  5. Which Kendama is the best for beginners?
    For beginners, a traditional wood Kendama is a great option as it is easy to use and is usually the most affordable.
  6. How do I know which Kendama is right for me?
    The best way to find the right Kendama for you is to consider your skill level, size preference, and budget.

Trivia

In 2015, a Japanese man set a Guinness world record for the longest time spinning a kendama, which was an impressive 7 hours and 14 minutes. He was able to maintain a spinning motion with the kendama while balancing the weight on a single finger. This remarkable feat was achieved at the 2015 Japan Open Kendama Tournament in Tokyo. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.