Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Everyone's Plaza "Onigiri" Kin-Ball Tournament
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM, a Kin-Ball tournament, organized by Minna no Hiroba "Omusubi," was held at the Hokuryu Town Rural Environment Improvement Center Gymnasium.
More than 15 people, including children and adults from the town, participated. Younger children participated in their own way, some being held by their mothers, others running around freely.
What is Kimball?
Kin-Ball is a new sport originating in Canada where teams work together to hit a giant ball, 122cm in diameter and weighing about 1kg, without letting it touch the floor. It's a sport that emphasizes cooperation, enjoyed by teams regardless of age or physical ability, with players shouting "Omnikin!"
"Omnikin" means "for everyone (Omni) to have a blast (Kin) through full-body exercise." It truly is a sport where everyone can be the star, transcending generations and differences in physical ability.
Program for the day
Warm-up exercises and team division
At registration, teams were divided by drawing lots. The teams were divided into three: red, white, and blue (with yellow as a reserve), and the game finally began!
Before the game starts, we warm up thoroughly with radio calisthenics.
Game: Giant Ball Rolling (Team Competition)
First up is a ball-rolling game between two teams. Each team starts from either side of the gymnasium, touches the Kin-Ball placed in the center, and then plays rock-paper-scissors!
Win at rock-paper-scissors to advance! The team that's good at rock-paper-scissors will roll the ball further and further towards the opponent's starting line.
The time limit is 2 minutes. The winner is determined by which team's side has the ball at the end of the time limit, or by who scores first.
The matchups are: Red vs. Blue → Blue vs. White → White vs. Red. Everyone is giving it their all!
Game: Kin-Ball (Team Battle)
Then comes the main event: the Kin-Ball game. It's played with three teams competing simultaneously (4-6 people per team).
One person serves. The other members hold the ball. The whole team holds up the big ball together.
"Omnikin! ○○! (color)"
He shouts and hits the ball up into the air.
The teams that were called upon worked together as a team, desperately trying to hold onto and catch the ball! It was a wonderful game of teamwork, with everyone supporting each other as they chased after the ball, which could fly anywhere.
A genuine collaboration that transcends generations
Both young children and adults are completely absorbed in the game, desperately trying to get their hands on the ball. The team's movements are magnificent, their energy levels are incredible, and their teamwork and mutual support are superb. It's truly impressive!
The teamwork of each of the three teams has garnered widespread praise.
As the name "Omnikin" suggests, Kimball is a sport that "everyone can enjoy to the fullest through a full-body workout."
Regardless of age, gender, or physical strength, everyone naturally became one in spirit by supporting a single ball together—it was a truly magical experience.
A closing ceremony with smiles
After the game ended, everyone received their participation prizes (such as instant ramen and potato chips) and went home with smiles on their faces.
Bread from "Rich Kobo" is also available!
A game where everyone cooperates and enjoys a full-body workout—with boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, we present the Kin-Ball tournament at the "Onigiri" community plaza.
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