Kendama is the Newest Toy Trend



Posted: Thursday, November 17, 2011

by Celeste Simmons
Your Publicity Firm

The latest toy trend is bringing back old-school styles and traditional games from years past. Our latest find was the Japanese style Kendama. This game is played with a wooden ball attached with a string and a hammer-shaped base. The challenge is to catch the ball in one of the (3) rounded cups of the handle, or “spike it” on the point that sticks up from the toy, at the top. When the toy is not being used, the ball rests on this point, and it holds it in place.

This game is gaining momentum as a growing trend. There are competitions in Japan, players and forums in the UK, and now in the U.S. The competitions consist of players who want to test their skills against other Kendama players.

Kendama appeals to many age groups, because it is not an extremely difficult game to play. The champions of the game are the ones who can do unique and difficult moves with the Kendama, like the Yo-Yo masters of the past. There are many tricks you can do with the ball, cups and spike. Most of the tricks involve different ways you can catch the ball.

The Kendama traditional version has three cups to catch the ball. The bottom cup (chuzara) is the largest, and the two smaller cups (kozara and ozara) are on the sides. The point is at the top of the Kendama, and that one is the most difficult. The ball of the unit is attached to the string securely, by also being attached to the base. It isn’t stapled or on a thin string that will break easily. The string is thick, and the ball and handle are solid wood.

The new Kendamas have multiple designs to choose from. There are faces and fun expressions painted on the ball of the toy, and the base can be different shapes. There are also many colors and patterns to choose from. You can pick from the one that suits your personality the best.

When doing tricks with the Kendama, you have to master how to hold it and cast the ball upward. You can hold the handle from the top, turning it over and gripping it between the two small cups. Flipping it upside down, you can hold it at that same point, but in reverse, with the point sticking upward. Or, you can hold it from the point, and catch the ball in the largest cup.

This is a fun game to try, and an inexpensive toy to buy. They start at around $15.00. I predict Kendama to be the hottest toy trend this year, but it will be a challenge to master it.

See the latest Kendama styles and Kendama faces at http://www.mommakendama.com/

Kendama Faces are at:http://www.mommakendama.com/KendamasWithFaces-s/1513.htm
Celeste Simmons is a published author of 2 books, and is a full time copywriter. To see her website: http://www.yourpublicityfirm.com/

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