Kendama (Mongolia)

ups or spike. Kendama History

There were kendama-like toys that predate the Japanese version. In particular a version called a bilboquet (or bilbouquet), which was missing the crossbar piece, was known in 16th century France, where King Henry II was said to have played it. A version of the bilboquet called the balero is still popular in Mexico. Although the Ainu in Japan are thought to have developed a bilbouquet style toy, the kendama probably traces back to the introduction of the bilboquet from Europe at the end of the 18th century. In the early 20th century the Japanese kendama had acquired the two additional side cups and was called a nichigatsu ball (日月ボール). In 1919 Hamaji Egusa of Hiroshima successfully registered a sort of early Japanese style patent for the device. At this point the basic form of the kendama was essentially fixed. Imada Hiromu who is leader of the Hiroshima Kendama association visited first time in Monolia In 1998, he introdused and granted first Kendamas to the Mongolian kids. That was the beginning of Kendama activity in Mongolia. As a result Mongolian Kendama association is founded In 2002 and started to organize a national kendama championship from 2003. National championship winners started to participate the world youth festival of Kendama in Osaka from 2004 and they have already won bronze and a silver medals.