The journey of kendama, from a childhood toy to an excessive sport, is being celebrated at this small store in Japan’s north.
Kendama, which began as a humble cup-and-ball sport for teenagers, is now making waves as a global excessive sport, and one tiny store in Hokkaido has been attracting kendama fans from all over the world.
Initially, kendama was all a couple of easy problem: catch the ball on one of many three cups or the spike. These basic tips, every tougher than the final, had been a enjoyable manner for teenagers to observe their dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and endurance.
▼ A four-year-old kendama skilled performing moshikame (alternating between huge and medium cups) 50 instances
Located within the metropolis of Asahikawa, ROOTS is nestled between an onigiri store and a garments store, however what lies inside is a kendama paradise, garnished with professional wrestling memorabilia and a curated collection of different collectibles.
Within the cozy store, behind a desk, sits its proprietor, Masateru ‘John’ Akamatsu. Assembly the shop proprietor face-to-face can really feel a bit intimidating at first, however John is blissful to share his passions with any who stroll by means of the door.
From discussing the pre-’90s pro-wrestling scene, with icons resembling Akira Maeda, to personally educating kendama fundamentals, he’s a pleasant man who loves chatting with guests.
John doesn’t simply restrict his actions to his retailer, although. He runs Asahidama, a kendama membership, and recurrently collaborates with native authorities for kendama occasions. He has additionally appeared on nationwide tv in the course of the annual New Yr’s Kohaku Uta Gassen TV present. He joined different kendama followers to problem the Guinness World File for the longest line of individuals catching a kendama ball consecutively, totaling 128 individuals, beforehand set the 12 months earlier than at 127.
▼ John (quantity 60) on the Kohaku Uta Gassen studio
The store is adorned with signatures from many notable kendama figures, together with the winner of the European Kendama Championship 2023, Nobuyoshi Norioka, and freestyle runner-up Soma Fujita. It’s not solely Japanese gamers which have left their mark on this little store, with gamers from locations like Sweden, Germany, and Canada additionally stopping by.
Removed from its picture as a retro Japanese toy for teenagers, John explains how it has advanced to even be an excessive sport. On this new type of kendama, the main target is not touchdown particular person tips, because it’s as a substitute turn into a flow-based sport, the place gamers try to showcase a dance-like fluidity by means of connecting tips.
Even the kendama themselves have modified, with new designs that includes bigger holes and cups, making them excellent for contemporary kendama kinds. This reimagining of Japanese tradition, remodeled in revolutionary methods, fascinates John.
▼ A conventional kendama
▼ A basic kendama alongside a extra trendy design
▼ ROOTS has fairly the variability on the market, each outdated and new
Excessive sports activities like BASE leaping or mountain biking may not be everybody’s factor, however for those who’re itching to strive one from the consolation of your individual residence, kendama is perhaps the right excessive sport for you. Perhaps sooner or later you’ll depart your individual identify in John’s distinctive store. Or maybe you need a pleasant tutor to point out you the ropes, simply swing on by and John will likely be very happy to assist.
Location info
ROOTS
Deal with: Hokkaido, Asahikawa-shi, 3 jodori, 8 chome, 1708 ban 54-27
北海道旭川市3条通8丁目1705番54-27
Open 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Web site (social media)
Images ©SoraNews24
● Wish to hear about SoraNews24’s newest articles as quickly as they’re printed? Comply with us on Fb and Twitter!
[ Read in Japanese ]
