Kendama: Your Dexterity, Skill 1.0.1

The kendama (けん玉, "sword [and] ball") is a traditional Japanese skill toy that marries artistry with dexterity. Comprised of a handle (ken), two cups (sarado), and a ball (tama) connected by a string, the kendama offers a unique gameplay experience. One end of the ken features a cup, while the other narrows to form a spike (kensaki) that fits into a hole (ana) in the tama. This design not only highlights traditional craftsmanship but also establishes the kendama as a cultural variant of the classic cup-and-ball game, akin to the French bilboquet. The kendama can be gripped in various ways, enabling practitioners to perform an extensive array of tricks and combinations, grounded in the fundamental pursuit of catching one object with another via the connecting string.

The exact origins of the kendama are somewhat ambiguous, though it is widely accepted that it emerged during the 17th or 18th century. Its evolution took significant strides during Japan's Edo period, leading to its proliferation around the globe. Currently, kendamas are available in different sizes and materials, including jumbo and mini versions made from plastic, metal, and nylon. The global appeal of kendama has given rise to competitions in numerous countries, with the prestigious Kendama World Cup in Japan being the most notable event in this burgeoning community.