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Kendama

Around the time of the American Revolution a European game played with cup and ball was introduced to Japan from China. The original design has been modified over the years. The object of the game is to land a ball attached by a string on either the point or in one of three different sized cups on the ken. There are a variety of techniques used to accomplish this goal with each receiving a special name such as "airplane." This is more than just a childs game. This game exemplifies the Japanese philosophy of kokoro no nebari (persistence) and shinen (concentration). Through these two behaviors one can be successful in Japan. These two behaviors permeate every aspect of life in Japan. They also cause many Japanese to believe they are invinciable.