Kendama

Kendama (けん玉) · Japan

The ball on its string is lifted with a bend of the knees and landed in the cup.

Age
6+ years3–6 years
Players
1+ players
Where
Indoors and outdoors
Time
~10 min

You’ll need

  • A kendama, or a cup with a ball on a string

How to play

  1. Hold the kendama and let the ball hang down.
  2. Bend your knees, then lift the ball upwards as you straighten up.
  3. As the ball comes down, bend your knees again and land it softly in the cup.

Safety

Always play these games with an adult watching, in a way that suits your child’s age and the surface underfoot. Keep games with small pieces (marbles, five stones, mangala) away from children under 3.

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