@bencan We already had a similar thread running so it has been merged with yours so everyone may see the previous replies. As for the kendama you posted, it is a Keyaki (ken) Cherry (tama) JKA certified Shinfuji made by Hakushinsya in Japan. The Shinfuji line of kendama has been discontinued and Hakushinsya has started making non-JKA certified Minna no Kendama in its place which are very similar to the shape of the old Shinfuji but available in more colors/varieties. Here are a couple of other JKA (Japan Kendama Association) related threads you might find interesting. JKA Kendamas JKA Dan Certification
I was a wee bit excited to know about the kendama that I intentionally forgot to look for similar thread - thanks for pointing me in the right direction, @goenKendama. Also, thank you for identifying the kendama. Now, my interest lies in the kendama's wood. I like the sound of the keyaki ken and cherry tama compared to the cheap unbranded kendama I purchased (pictured in my avatar). To describe it -- sounds crisp. Also the cups doesn't seemed 'used'. The cups' edge are clean - no dents. Anyways, thanks again for the info and the links. I'm sure I'll enjoy reading them.
Sure thing, happy to help. As for wood info you might start with these threads: Kendama Comparisons Shades of Grain
I've read most of the suggested links here and the suggested links there. Serious stuff everywhere. Seriously fun. I can also feel the passion of most of the members. I've enjoyed the readings - there's a new respect I have for what the kendama and its major players are having an effect to the world now and the not so distant future. PS. even the sticker is not just a sticker but a well respected seal.
@bencan I forgot to mention that woods' sounds vary and doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the quality of the kendama or the wood. The one in your avatar is likely Beech wood which is one of the most common kendama woods out there and while the sound, to me anyway, is a bit dull it doesn't keep it from being made into great kendama.
I agree. I believe it has something to do with the maker and the age and part of the wood that is used to create the kendama - just like any other wooden instrument or equipment. As a n00b, I am fortunate and glad, I got accepted into this forum - lots of info about Kendama. Honestly, I was only curious about identifying the kendama I just borrowed and if I got my answer - that's it. Now, it's 3am here and I keep on editing this reply. haha. I've also spent more hours reading suggested threads - the politics behind and around kendama, the members who have made contribution to the spread of the kendama etc etc It's mega info overload. I'll be sure to re-read most of these. Anyways, one at a time.
Just to make sure you don't run out of reading material you might want to poke your head into this thread as well. Favorite thread on DS. We do our best to make DownSpike a resource where those interested can find nearly everything they might want to know about kendama. We also do our best to avoid most of the digital drama associated with some kendama (and off-topic) other venues out there.
The question has already been answered, but the dama is a Keyaki Shin Fuji. Ozora seals have a yellow/gold-ish background while the Shin Fujis had black.
So just bumping this thread for anyone who has ordered a Mystery Kendama but has trouble indetifying the name of the design. So I bought this Roots tama off of my friend but I’m not sure what it’s called. Do any OG players know?
Yeah it is definitely the Groove. I actually love the Roots paints and this was a pretty neat design. Sucks Roots is no longer in the game. Some people really hated them and I did get several duds from them but I also had several tamas that came with downright awesome paint, especially the Splatter series.
The one in the middle is a Shin Fuji for sure. If the other 2 had the same sticker then they are both Shin Fujis as well, if not it is kinda hard to tell because they appear to be the JKA standardized shape, which could make them one of several different brands. I have a feeling none of these are Ozoras though, based off of how the paint looks.
Bumping this! Was just gifted a dama that was purchased for ~$30 at a local store. Apparently they were claiming it’s “hand painted” and it definitely looks like it came from Japan. I recognize this seal as well but can’t place it. Paint feels like some sort of varnish. It’s not smooth, has some texture. Any tips?
It's a Minna no Kendama from the makers of the Shinfuji. Looks like a new Beechwood release based on their Rokuro-sen (potter's wheel line) model. Looks pretty cool.
Thank you so much! I knew I'd seen that seal before. I checked the JKA thread but since all the image links are broken I came up short. You're the best!