Toddler friends tried making their own kendama! (*‘ω‘ *)ｂ✨

They decorated paper cups with crayons and dot stickers, then attached a ball made of crumpled newspaper using a string.
Since paper cups are three-dimensional, drawing on them takes practice, and threading the string requires fine motor skills. Though it wasn’t easy at first, everyone persevered with their teachers’ support! (｀・ω・´)ｂ✨

Look at their serious expressions—it’s really starting to look like a kendama, right? ( *´艸｀)💗

After making their kendama, it was time to play! But… instead of carefully catching the ball, everyone swung their paper cups wildly! (´∀｀)💦 It was tricky to land the ball inside. Even the teachers tried, and it was still challenging! Finally, just before the activity ended, one child landed the ball in the cup—success! 🎉

The room filled with cheers and excitement! The teachers watched with warm smiles, celebrating another new accomplishment.
Let’s keep trying new things tomorrow too! (´▽｀)💕💕💕

💡 What is Kendama?

Many people think kendama originated in Japan, but historical records suggest it actually began in 16th-century France as a toy called “Bilboquet.” The name comes from “bil” (ball) and “boquet” (small wooden object). Unlike modern kendama, Bilboquet had two cups at each end of a stick, and players repeatedly tried to catch a string-attached ball in the cups.

It is believed that Bilboquet was introduced to Japan between 1777-1778 (Edo period). By 1876 (Meiji period), Japan’s Ministry of Education officially introduced kendama in children’s educational materials.　In 1919 (Taisho period), a kendama-like toy called “Nichigetsu Ball” (Sun and Moon Ball) was released. The ball represented the sun, while the crescent-shaped cups resembled the moon. This design became popular and evolved into modern kendama.

During the 1945-1955 postwar period, kendama was sold in traditional candy stores alongside other classic Japanese toys like menko, marbles, and spinning tops.　In 1975, children’s author Issei Fujiwara established the Japan Kendama Association. A standardized kendama competition model and unified rules were introduced, turning kendama into an official sport. Today, kendama tournaments are held worldwide, including in the USA and Europe.
Now, “KENDAMA” is recognized as a global sport and skill toy, connecting people across cultures! 🌍✨

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