Kendama Brands

We try to stock every competition style brand of kendama that we can get our hands on, whether in current production or discontinued. (At any given time we may not have all brands.)

What are the differences?:The product descriptions have some details about the brands and colors.

• Emeska: Boutique model from Quebec.
• Hotaka: Quality clone, unusual colors.
• Jonen: Nice budget clone.
• Mugen: Legendary quality, discontinued. The Kotobuki subbrand was a Mugen with gold sparkles in the paint.
• Oozora: The only currently manufactured JKA certified model made in Japan.
• Shin Fuji: Predecessor of the Oozora, discontinued but still available. Rokurosen was a variation of Shin Fuji with a lined pattern painted on the balls.
• Shin Sakura: Hard-to-find discontinued JKA certified model.
• TK16 Master: Nice economical JKA certified model made in China.

Kendama Colors

All JKA certified kendamas or quality clones—truth be told—are pretty similar. It's the ball's paint job that distinguish them. So what kind of colors or finishes are available?

• Red has been the usual color in more recent decades: look for this color in the Oozora, TK16 Master and Shin Fuji.
• Orange (actually, more of a brown mustard) is available in the Yamagato Kobo 5-cupper Smile model.
• Green is only available in an Oozora ("leaf green," to be precise).
• Blue is another common color, available in the Oozora and TK16 Master.
• Black, was once more common, but is now only available in the TK16 Master.
• Unpainted kendamas are available in the Oozora, TK16 Master and Shin Sakura models.
• Striped kendamas evoke the Showa postwar period. We carry the non-JKA Mingei model from the Oozora maker.

FAQ: "I bought an Oozora in a color you don't have. Is it a real Oozora?"

Kendama Safety!

Kendamas are not toys. Well, they are, but they need to be used safely. Think of them as sporting equipment. Kendamas are appropriate for use by those 13 years of age or older. By purchasing from this site you agree that you and the intended recipient are both 13 years of age or older.

Kendama Variations

When you need a change of pace, these are the kendamas for you.

• Minis: Playable keychain sized.
• Compact: Pocket sized, scaled down a bit from regulation size for portability.
• Jumbos: Impressive, and many people find that tricks are easier with jumbos.
• 5-cup models: Yamagata Kobo's wacky patented inventions. They're so new that you have to invent your own tricks.
• Traditional: Didn't Marlon Brando land a lighthouse with one of these in Sayonara? On second thought, maybe not.
• 1-cup models: European and Central American takes on the ball and cup toy

About This Site

• Customer Service: Please contact us at the contact points listed below if you have any questions, problems or concerns.
• Customer Support & Questions about Orders
• USPS Shipping Rates, Delivery Times & Package Tracking