Monday, March 20, 2023
The 1st Hokuryu Kendama Club Hekisui Police Station Cup was held at the Hokuryu Town Community Center Large Hall from 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 18th.
A total of over 50 people participated, including 26 children and their families, including club members, and enjoyed the kendama techniques and games to their heart's content, making the event filled with cheers and smiles.
- 1 1st Hokuryu Kendama Club Hekisui Police Station Cup
- 2 Greetings from Naoki Kishi, president of Hokuryu Kendama Club
- 3 Greetings from Akamatsu John Masateru (Asahidama Kendama Team Representative, Asahikawa City)
- 4 Special lecture on "Traffic Safety" by Sergeant Yuki Hoshino of the Hekisui Police Station of Fukagawa Police Station
- 5 Competition begins
- 6 A speech by Deputy Chief Ryosuke Tajima of Numata Police Station
- 7 Group photo
- 8 YouTube videos
- 9 Other photos
- 10 Related articles and sites
1st Hokuryu Kendama Club Hekisui Police Station Cup
A new event combining a Kendama game with a special lecture on "Traffic Safety" by Sergeant Hoshino Yuki of the Hekisui Police Station of Fukagawa Police Station!
There are many events to choose from, including the "Unicorn Run," "Hand-Up Lighthouse Championship," and "Can You Do It? Can't You? Quiz!"
Greetings from Naoki Kishi, president of Hokuryu Kendama Club
"Hello everyone! Thank you to all 26 participants and their families for coming together today.
We have some masters in attendance, so I hope you'll listen to their various techniques in between games.
There are three promises for today's conference.
"The first rule is 'Don't fight,' and the second rule is 'Don't cry.' No matter how many times you fail, please don't cry, because we want everyone to finish with a smile on their face. The third rule is 'Please support others.' We hope that by following these three rules, we can have a fun day. Thank you for your support," said Kishi.
Greetings from Akamatsu John Masateru (Asahidama Kendama Team Representative, Asahikawa City)
"Hello everyone! Did anyone see the NHK news the other day? (Many people raise their hands and say "Hi"). This filming was made possible with your cooperation. Thank you very much.
The interview took about 30 minutes in Hokuryu and about an hour in Asahikawa. Finally, we filmed for about two hours at the store, but only three minutes of it was used for the news. I was really surprised, but I think the program has helped raise awareness.
Thank you all for your cooperation. In my final interview with NHK, I was asked, "Why did you go all the way to Hokuryu if you won't make any money?" I answered, "It's not about the money, it's the joy of seeing everyone grow, and I'm happy to see everyone's smiles and joy when they succeed."
At a large event held in Asahikawa City on Saturday, February 25th, we held events such as "Street Style," where participants had to show off their skills for one minute, and "Bingo Game."
Ryu-kun from Hokuryu Kendama Club won the beginners' division. Please give him a round of applause. Clap clap!!!
On the big stage, only Ryu-kun was able to complete the nine tricks. He was able to complete the tricks that even adults cannot complete.
I have been watching everyone at Hokuryu grow up over the years, and I feel that they have grown as well.
Today we are starting a new theme: Kendama x Traffic Safety. Please enjoy playing all day long," said Akamatsu John Masateru.
Special lecture on "Traffic Safety" by Sergeant Yuki Hoshino of the Hekisui Police Station of Fukagawa Police Station
"Today's event is a collaboration between Kendama and the police.
I heard that one-third or more of the elementary school students in Hokuryu Town participate in the Hokuryu Kendama Club. We held this event in the hope that it would encourage them to think about road safety at least a little.
This event is designed so that even beginners can participate in the competition, so we hope that those who are interested will give kendama a try in the future.
self-introduction
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Hoshino Yuki, and I'm a police sergeant at the Hekisui Police Station of the Fukagawa Police Department. I'm originally from Shinoji, Kita-ku, Sapporo. I was born on January 31, 1992, so I'm 31 years old. I'm about 180cm tall and weigh 105kg, which is about the same weight as a 5-year-old giant panda at Ueno Zoo (the audience erupts in laughter!).
My special skill is judo. I've been doing it since middle school, and I've never lost a judo match in a police tournament, so I'd like to experience defeat (laughs).
My hobby is playing musical instruments, such as the guitar, bass, and ukulele. I also use my computer to create music using desktop music (DTM), which I enjoy playing on my days off. I also love singing while playing the guitar.
Recently, I've also been playing darts. I bought a dartboard at home and enjoy smashing away while drinking. I also enjoy thinking about designs.
Since coming to Hokuryu, I have started making soba noodles and have obtained a second-degree qualification, and I am enjoying seeing how far I can go.
My newest hobby is kendama. I have a basic level 3 kendama license, but I'd like to challenge myself to level 2 next.
I became a police officer in 2010 and have been working for 13 years. Before joining the Hekisui Police Station, I worked at the Susukino Police Box, which is an incredibly busy place.
In addition to Hekisui, I also patrol Wadō and the entire Hokuryu town, so if you see me, I'd be happy if you could wave to me.
Safe bicycle use
Now, let's talk about traffic safety, and safe bicycle use.
In principle, bicycles should keep to the left and ride on the sidewalk.
On a road without sidewalks, do you think it is correct to ride a bicycle on the left or right side of the road?
The correct answer is on the left side. Bicycles are a type of vehicle, so they should ride on the left side of the road. This is required by law, but if you actually ride on the right side, you will get in the way and it will be dangerous.
Next, regarding the visibility of bicycles, there are blind spots for cars, so it is very dangerous. If there is a sidewalk, ride on it.
Normally, riding on the sidewalk is prohibited, but there are exceptions that allow children under 13, people over 70, and people with disabilities to ride on the sidewalk. Elementary school students should ride on the sidewalk. However, when riding on the sidewalk, they should ride slowly on the edge.
Wear a helmet
Regarding bicycle helmets, starting from April 1st, everyone must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. This applies to adults, children, grandparents, and everyone in between. However, since it is a requirement, there are no penalties. Some people may think, "If there are no penalties, it's too much trouble, so I don't have to wear a helmet."
The reason this is the case is that 70% of people who die in bicycle accidents suffer fatal head injuries. The death rate for those not wearing helmets is more than twice as high as for those wearing helmets.
With the enactment of these laws, it is possible that not wearing a helmet in a bicycle accident could have a negative effect on the degree of fault and compensation. Therefore, please wear a helmet if possible. Recently, stylish helmets have been sold.
Explanation of Kendama competition
Next, a description of the competition.
First event: "Unicorn Run" at a safe speed
The first event is the "Unicorn Run." Participants run with a Kendama on their head, representing a unicorn. Before the game begins, Kissy will decide on a time and announce it later. Everyone must try to predict their time as they reach the finish line.
This game is meant to convey the message that "when riding a bicycle, it's not enough to just go fast; you should also make sure to reach your destination at a safe speed."
Second event: "Hand-held Lighthouse Championship" - Cross the street when the light turns green
The second event was the "Hand-held Lighthouse Championship." This was a competition where participants had to place a "ken" (sword) on top of a "ball." Participants competed for the fastest time to clear all three balls placed on three rows of tables. Once the kendama had been on the table for two seconds and the judge had raised his hand, the participants moved on to the next event.
The colors of the kendama are "red," "yellow," and "blue," which represent traffic lights. The goal is reached when the last blue kendama is placed on the ground. This symbolizes "Let's cross the street when the light turns green!"
The third event is "Can you do it? Can't you? Which is it?" Quiz to develop your ability to sense danger.
The third event is "Can you do it? Can't you? Which is it?". Adults will attempt kendama tricks. Please predict whether they can do it or not.
The message behind this is "Let's develop the ability to detect danger by predicting what will happen."
Judging and Prizes
The judging method is to award points based on ranking. The top three people (six people in total, men and women) will receive prizes. There will also be participation prizes, so everyone, do your best!
This time, the Hokuryu Town Traffic Safety Association provided prizes, providing kendama and sweets as participation prizes. The winners' shields, which were awarded to one male and one female winner, were hand-carved wooden shields made by Takao Yamada of Hokuryu Town.
So, everyone, please get excited and be full of energy!!!" said Sergeant Hoshino.
Competition begins
First event: Unicorn Run
❂ Representative Kishi Naoki will decide the time in advance, and points will be added based on the finishing time that is closest to the decided time.
JHON-san
- "Good! Good! Good balance!" "OK! OK! Excellent!"
- "They stopped along the way to adjust the time."
- "The unicorn's stability is incredible."
2nd Event: Hand-held Lighthouse Championship
❂ Three tables are prepared, and the participants must place the "sword" on the "ball" of a Kendama on each table. After completing one, two seconds later, the judges raise their hands and move on to the next Kendama.
JHON-san
- "Balance is important."
- "The girls are incredibly stable! Everyone is so good! Nice!"
- "Follow the rules and drive slowly and carefully! Everyone is amazing!"
No one could clear the first red ball right away, making it a difficult challenge! It was as if the message was "Stop firmly at the red light."
Children participating for the first time were accompanied by their mothers, who were busy taking photos with their smartphones...
Everyone applauded Ryu-kun, who recorded the fastest time of 16 seconds, saying "Wow!"
Type 3: Can you do it? Can't you do it? Quiz
❂ Adults try various Kendama tricks. Children decide whether the adults can do them or not, and points are awarded to those who answer correctly. Five points are awarded for each stamp!
Veteran adults will try out a variety of tricks!!!
"Spinning the Earth," "Baseball," "Turntable," "Legend," "Stopping the Fawn," "Around the USA," "Kochikame," "Around Japan," "Stopping," "Whirlwind," "Large Plate, Lifting, Large Plate," "Flying Trapeze," "Hanging Stopping," "10 Moshikame," "Airplane," "Small Plate, Large Plate, Medium Plate," "Flying Sword," "Frying Pan," "Jug Sword," and many more...
It's OK if you can clear it alone!
While Kissy was not in good form and kept making mistakes, the children cheered her on enthusiastically, saying, "We believe in you, Kissy! Do your best!"
Kissy responded well and completed the technique for the first time!
The children were delighted, shouting, "Hurray! Kissy, you did it! Nice!"
Those who get the answer right will receive a stamp and 5 extra points!
Men's and women's awards: Luxury prizes will be awarded to the top three players with the most points.
The girls' winners were tied, so they decided to play rock-paper-scissors. The winner was the winner, and the loser was second place. The second place winner applauded the winner along with everyone else in the venue.
A speech by Deputy Chief Ryosuke Tajima of Numata Police Station
"Thank you for inviting me today. It was a lot of fun. I wasn't very good at kendama when I was little, but there are so many different ways to enjoy it, such as the Unicorn Run, and I feel that the many charms of kendama are endless. Even though it is an individual sport, there is a sense of unity, and I think it is a really great sport.
This was a collaboration with the Hekisui Police Station, and we would like to thank everyone who sponsored us, including the JHON teachers at Asahidama and the parents of the Kendama Club. It was a truly wonderful experience.
Finally, I would like to say a few words of feedback: everyone was shining brightly and focused. I would like to thank everyone for listening intently to my lecture at the police station before the event.
As the snow melts and the roads become visible, please be careful when commuting to school to avoid traffic accidents. Please cross the crosswalk slowly and without rushing, just like playing unicorn. Thank you.
Finally, there was something that really moved me. Everyone was concentrating on the competition, but even so, everyone applauded and cheered on their friends and teammates. I was really moved by that attitude and thought it was great.
I think it's really important to support your teammates like this. Please don't forget that.
"Thank you very much for today," said Director Tajima.
Group photo
Kendama and the Hekisui Police Station have collaborated to hold this event where participants can learn about the importance of traffic safety while also competing with each other and enjoying Kendama to their heart's content!
With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Hokuryu Kendama Club, where local adults and children all connect, praise and encourage each other, and share the joy and excitement of their clubs.
YouTube videos
Other photos
Related articles and sites
◇ Photography and editing: Noboru Terauchi Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi
![Yesterday (3/18), the Kendama Club and the Hekisui Police Station held a collaborative tournament, with 26 children participating. ✨ It's wonderful to have an event organized by the local community. 👍 [Hokuryu Kendama Club]](https://portal.hokuryu.info/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20230318IMG_4819-1-375x281.jpg)
