Monday, January 23, 2023
On Saturday, January 21st, from 2pm, in the pouring snow, the 3rd Hokuryu Kendama Festival, sponsored by the Hokuryu Kendama Club (representative: Naoki Kishi), was held in the large hall on the second floor of the Hokuryu Town Community Center. Approximately 14 energetic elementary and junior high school students from Hokuryu Town, along with about 4 adults, participated, playing energetically and having fun.
- 1 At the Hokuryu Town Community Center, 2nd floor large hall
- 2 Greetings from Representative Naoki Kishi
- 3 Game Description: Representative Kishi
- 4 The heated game begins!
- 5 Announcement of results and medal presentation
- 6 Closing remarks
- 7 Captain Koyama gives us a gift of kendama and sweets
- 8 A delightful gift of sweets!
- 9 Let's take a commemorative photo together!
- 10 YouTube videos
- 11 Other photos
- 12 Related articles
At the Hokuryu Town Community Center, 2nd floor large hall
Greetings from Representative Naoki Kishi
"The first event was held in December 2021, the second in August 2022, and now the third event is being held this month.
"We were joined by Mr. Masateru Akamatsu from Asahikawa and Captain Koyama (Special Damars) from Sapporo to help out. Please introduce yourself."
Special Damars - Captain Koyama
"We have a group called Special Damars in Sapporo, and we meet once or twice a month. Everyone calls me Captain. If you have any questions about tricks or anything else, please feel free to ask me. Thank you very much," says Captain Koyama.
Mr. Masaki Akamatsu JOHN
"Today is the third Hokuryu Kendama Festival. I have been here many times before, but today we have a wonderful person with us, Captain Koyama, so please feel free to ask any questions and have fun playing," said Sensei John.
Game Description: Representative Kishi
"Today we'll be doing unicorn races and trick battles.
In the unicorn race, opponents are decided by drawing lots and the children compete one-on-one!
In the trick battle, participants choose nine tricks from the ones indicated with points, write them down on a sheet (3x3 square sheet), and then try to perform the tricks in three minutes!
Points will be awarded for tricks that can be completed within the time limit!
Plus, you'll get 5 extra points for every 9-frame bingo!
The person with the most points at the end wins!
After the first set, the top six will compete in the finals, with medals awarded to first through third place.
Finally, there will also be an adult trick battle, so please look forward to it," said Representative Kishi.
The heated game begins!
Unicorn Race
Place the Kendama on your forehead and try not to let it fall!!!
Well balanced!
Slowly and carefully!
The final dash!
Trick Battle
Challenge yourself to a skill that suits your level!
A brain game where you must carefully plan your strategy to increase your points!
Aim to clear it within 3 minutes!
Check the tricks you've completed and add up your points!!!
Children and adults can take on the challenge together!
Seriously and politely...
Extreme concentration!
Yay! Clear!
Adult Trick Battle
A spectacular display of adult skills!!!
Announcement of results and medal presentation
Bravo for the brilliant score!
Congratulations!
Win a medal!!!
Closing remarks
Captain Koyama
"Thank you for letting me have fun today.
"ZOOMADANKE meets HOKKAIDO" will be held in Atsuma Town on Saturday, February 11th, and in Sapporo City on Sunday, February 12th, and will feature Kendama performances, mini games, workshops, and more, so please come along if you can. Thank you for coming today. We look forward to working with you," said Captain Koyama.
Mr. JOHN
"In Asahikawa, ASAHIKAWA KENDAMAX (sponsored by the Asahikawa Downtown Revitalization Council) will be held at ICT Park on Saturday, February 25th.
There will be a lot of fun events, including Kendama sessions, mini games, and freestyle competitions. Please feel free to join in with the whole family. Today's competition was truly wonderful. Thank you very much," said Sensei John.
Representative Kishi
"The 3rd Kendama Festival has now concluded without any problems. At first, everyone knew nothing about kendama, but they are steadily acquiring new skills and growing.
"It was great to see the upperclassmen teaching the new juniors so well. I hope to hold more fun events like this in the future. Thank you for today," said Representative Kishi.
Captain Koyama gives us a gift of kendama and sweets
Finally, Captain Koyama gave everyone two Kendama and some sweets as presents, and Representative Kishi also handed out some sweets.
Two lovely "kendama"
Lots of sweets too!
There were only two Kendama, so the children played a knockout game (where adults attempted tricks and had to predict in advance whether they would be able to complete the tricks) and the last two winners were given the Kendama as a prize.
A delightful gift of sweets!
Let's take a commemorative photo together!
A sports game where you complete kendama tricks, devise strategies, and think up ways to earn high points!
With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, I would like to extend to the Hokuryu Kendama Club, where members hone their skills, encourage and learn from each other, and make daily efforts to reach new levels and make great strides...
YouTube videos
Other photos
Related articles
◇ Photography and editing: Noboru Terauchi Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi
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