A satisfying “ka-kon”—the distinct wooden click of a kendama—echoes through a school gymnasium. Cheers and applause follow as a young boy lands a difficult trick. The setting is an auditorium in a Kowloon secondary school in Hong Kong, host to the Kendama International Exchange Tournament, where enthusiasts from both Japan and Hong Kong have gathered.
Once a beloved toy of Japanese children in the Showa era, the wooden kendama has now become a cultural bridge across borders. Originating in Japan, how has this humble traditional toy grown into a symbol of international friendship and creative expression—especially in a place like Hong Kong?
Beyond Tricks: Kendama as a Game of Spirit
Kendama offers a wide range of techniques—from basic moves like catching the ball on a cup or spiking it on the tip, to hundreds of advanced, intricate tricks. But at international tournaments, it’s not just technical precision that counts. Participants are also judged on rhythm, posture, and above all, mutual respect.
Shota Tanaka, a professional kendama player from Japan and one of the event’s judges, explains:
“Kendama is not just a contest of skills. It’s about focus, respect, and the spirit of challenge. When these qualities appear on stage, they create something far more moving than the tricks themselves.”
Indeed, student players from Hong Kong not only attempted advanced techniques but also greeted each other in Japanese with phrases like “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” and “Arigatou gozaimashita.” Through kendama, they weren’t just learning tricks—they were gaining a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture.
When the Sound of Wood Becomes a Language
Even without a shared language, kendama creates instant connection. The crisp “click” when a trick lands, the spontaneous “oohs” from the crowd—these simple sounds are enough to unite the atmosphere.
During the tournament, a memorable moment unfolded as a Hong Kong elementary student and a visiting high schooler from Japan teamed up on the spot for a relay-style kendama performance. They didn’t speak the same language, but with a glance and a nod, they timed their moves. When the trick was completed, they high-fived naturally—no words needed.
One parent, visibly moved, shared their impression:
“It was amazing to see how kendama could bring two kids together so effortlessly, regardless of nationality or language. It truly felt like the sound of wood became their common language.”
Grassroots Efforts Behind the Scenes of the Tournament
The kendama tournament wasn’t just a spectacle—it was the result of years of quiet, grassroots effort. Organized by a group of Japanese volunteers living in Hong Kong in collaboration with local educators, the event was the culmination of long-standing outreach through school visits and workshops to share and sustain kendama culture.
One of the organizers, Ms. Kato, reflected:
“Kendama is a wonderful tool that engages a child’s hands, eyes, and heart. But more than that, I believe it’s a tool for connecting people. Every time I see children from Japan and Hong Kong laughing together over kendama, I’m reminded why this work is so meaningful.”
On the day of the tournament, cultural exchange went beyond the competition itself. Attendees could try their hand at crafting their own kendama or enjoy traditional Japanese games in special cultural booths. From play to craftsmanship, kendama served as a vibrant gateway into Japanese culture.
Rediscovering the Beauty of Wood: Kendama’s Rise Among the Youth
The growing popularity of kendama among young people isn’t just a retro trend. Its wooden texture, natural sound, and warmth offer a sensory richness that digital devices simply can’t replicate—qualities that today’s generation is beginning to appreciate anew.
“Kendama is evolving into a modern form of play,” says Ricky, a 17-year-old leader of a kendama club in Hong Kong. “We share our tricks on social media, form teams, and practice together.” Ricky also adds Japanese subtitles to his kendama videos, helping others learn the names of techniques and bringing the cultural roots of the toy to a broader audience.
This fusion of local and global—where traditional craftsmanship meets digital expression—is transforming kendama into something more than just a toy. It’s becoming a modern cultural movement, grounded in Japanese heritage yet open to the world.
Conclusion: One Ball, Two Cultures Connected
At its core, kendama is a simple toy—just wood, string, and a ball. And yet, within this humble form lies a world of skill, spirit, respect, and the quiet power to connect people.
Japan and Hong Kong—two places with different languages and cultures—are brought together by this small wooden toy. The clack that echoed across the stage was more than just a sound of play. It was the sound of friendship, crossing borders and touching hearts.