Kendama brings smiles to people of all ages at the Hokuryu Kendama Club 4th Anniversary Tournament

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

On Tuesday, September 30th, the Hokuryu Kendama Club held its 4th anniversary tournament. Around 50 people, from children to adults, gathered at the venue, filled with enthusiastic cheers and cheers. Regardless of age or skill level, everyone heartily praised each other's challenges and shared their joy together. The circle of warm smiles was a perfect example of the "spirit of harmony" and "compassion" that Hokuryu Town has nurtured.

Kendama brings smiles to people of all ages: "Hokuryu Kendama Club 4th Anniversary Tournament 2025"

The Hokuryu Kendama Club 4th Anniversary Tournament, sponsored by the Hokuryu Kendama Club (Representative: Kishi Naoki), was held on Tuesday, September 30th from 6:00 PM in the large hall on the second floor of the Hokuryu Town Community Center.

Approximately 50 people gathered, including Kendama Club members and their families! From children to adults, everyone was a star on this day. With fun and serious looks, warm interactions were taking place across generations.

Hokuryu Kendama Club 4th Anniversary Tournament 2025
Hokuryu Kendama Club 4th Anniversary Tournament 2025

Opening remarks expressing hope for the future

Naoki Kishi Greetings from the President

Greetings from Representative Kishi
Greetings from Representative Kishi

"This time, we're celebrating our 4th anniversary. Everyone has a chance to win a gorgeous Kendama, so everyone is excited! There will also be impressive shields, so do your best to aim for them!"

Greetings from Mr. Masateru Akamatsu (John)

Greetings from Mr. Masateru Akamatsu (John)
Greetings from Mr. Masateru Akamatsu (John)

Good evening, everyone!
Those who practiced! --- ("Yes! Yes! Yes!" energetic voices echoed throughout the venue!)

This year marks the fourth year, so whether you've practiced or not, I hope you'll give it your all and leave no regrets! It may be difficult, but don't be nervous and do your best to show your true abilities and get your hands on some great prizes! Have fun! Thank you!"

A heated competition where skill and heart intersect

The competition will be divided into three groups based on level.

  • Himawari Group
  • Dragon Group
  • Special Group
Split into 3 groups!
Split into 3 groups!
Trick list with points awarded for each trick
Trick list with points awarded for each trick

The "Sunflower" group had one minute, and the "Dragon" group had one minute and 30 seconds to perform their special moves. Points were awarded based on the difficulty of the moves and the number of times they were successful.

Show off your special skills!
Show off your special skills!
Calm down! Seriously!
Calm down! Seriously!
Nice!
Nice!

The pleasant sound of the kendama echoed through the venue. People's gazes were fixed on one spot with serious intentness. The moment a trick was executed, thunderous applause and cheers erupted. The warm cheers of "Nice!" and "Go for it!" seemed to gently encourage all those taking on the challenge.

Nice clear!
Nice clear!
GO! GO!
GO! GO!
Masterful technique! One!
Masterful technique! One!

It was not just a competition, but a heartfelt exchange in which players recognized each other's efforts and shared the joy of success. Every play shone brilliantly, from the skilled techniques of veteran players to the earnest efforts of children.

Veteran technique! John-san!
Veteran technique! John-san!

Exciting Bingo Game

The tournament concluded with the much-anticipated bingo game! The excitement in the venue reached a fever pitch. And, to top it all off, all participants were given a luxurious Kendama as a prize in a lottery.

The children and adults were all beaming with smiles, holding their amazing kendama. Winning or losing, or age, didn't matter. Everyone here was the star of the day, the winner. The most amazing smiles were in full bloom all over the venue.

bingo game
bingo game
reach?!
reach?!

Get a Kendama!

Get a Kendama!
Get a Kendama!
Get a Kendama!

commendation or awards ceremony

As a result of the competition, the winners, second place and third place winners were awarded luxurious special shields, in descending order of points. In addition, Icchan received a special prize of Hokuryu Town specialties, including sunflower oil and Kurosengoku instant curry. Congratulations!

Icchan, special award!
Icchan, special award!
A magnificent shield, luxurious prizes, and Kendama
A magnificent shield, luxurious prizes, and Kendama
Results table
Results table

Congratulations!

Congratulations! [From top to bottom: Winner, 2nd place, 3rd place] Left: Sunflower Right: Dragon
Congratulations! [From top to bottom: Winner, 2nd place, 3rd place] Left: Sunflower Right: Dragon

The joy of sharing, the heart of connection

John's closing words
John's closing words

After John's heartwarming closing remarks, everyone took a commemorative photo. Each photo was filled with a sense of accomplishment and bright smiles of pure enjoyment from the game.

Happy 4th anniversary!
Happy 4th anniversary!

Adults and children alike laughed and shared their hearts, a heartwarming scene that taught us something modern society seems to have forgotten: the true richness of human connections. We send our boundless love, gratitude, and prayers to the circle of smiling faces of this wonderful Hokuryu Kendama Club...

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◇ ◇ Photography, editing and website management: Noboru Terauchi Writer: Ikuko Terauchi