It's kinda hard to see from my photos but the bottom edge of the slip stop is rounded. I believe this is what makes it a 90's Sakura as opposed to the images shown above which are 80's damas. At least this is what I was able to come up with searching the web. . . Anyone out there more proficient then me who may be able to confirm this?
From what I've been told by the JKA main office the only difference between the Sakura and Fuji in the photos I posted and the one in your photo is the JKA nintei seal. They simply changed to the round version in 1992 and for a time two manufacturers shared the same nintei seal. Their explanation was that there wasn't a change in the physical shape of the kendama at that time. The photos included in my post above were the ones they sent me directly to show the difference. Here's a comparison of the photo you post above and another of the ones the JKA sent. (There's quite a bit of quality difference but I tweaked your photo the best I could.)
I have to agree with you that the slip stop looks more like the Fuji. The spike on the other hand is definitely tapered to a point like the sakura. . .
@Seabass sometimes it's hard to tell from photos, at least it is for me, so if you need a larger version or more of the photos they sent just hit me up in DM.
time to fire up the mystery thread again! sweets dropped mystery tamas and you know i had to scoop! can’t wait til it’s here. happy 4th to my usa boys
If anyone gets a firestorm fade tama from it lmk. I’m desperate for one. I own the shoes it was based off of lol
I just ordered the new thrift mystery box... 9.99+shipping. I know it’s only 10$. But I’m excited ... anybody gotten 10$ kendama sweets mystery box? If so what came with it?
I seem to have noticed an uptick in demand for Kendama Mystery Boxes in other kendama social media groups. Any thoughts on mystery boxes? Do you like them or no? Would you buy a mystery box over select damas? Why would a company offer a mystery box? Feel free to add to the discussion in the thread. Thanks guys!
List of companies who offer mystery boxes: Cereal Kendama Okendamas Kendama USA* * - Out of Stock, may restock in the future.
Mod Hat engaged (pix not working for me currently) @Emil Apostol We had a related thread running already so your topic has been merged. Also see these threads: Terra Kendama DOTD Mystery Box Dama on the Drive - Mystery Bags As for why a company would offer a mystery box, I would hazard a guess that it is a fun and effective way to move older stock or excess inventory. Also it's fun way to generate hype and also potentially give customers a little extra value to say thanks.