Buy Kendama Online

Kendamas from the best-known brands: Sweets, KROM, Kendama USA, Active Kendama and more. Models for beginners, intermediates and advanced players.

The kendama is a Japanese skill toy made of a wooden handle (ken) and a ball attached with a string (tama). In this category we bring together models from the best-known brands in today's kendama world, from entry-level versions to models built for advanced play.

About kendamas: a classic skill game

The traditional kendama comes from Japan and became internationally popular from the 2000s onwards with American and European brands that adapted shapes and finishes to modern play. Today it is practised as a skill toy in many countries, with its own scene of competitions, local meet-ups and a fairly codified trick progression (cups, spike, lighthouses, lunars, juggles, stalls, combos).

There are two main shapes: the classic Japanese and modern versions with slightly modified profiles to make certain tricks easier. The most common wood is beech, though some brands use other woods with different properties.

Kendama brands at The Joker House

Sweets Kendamas

American brand from Minneapolis, one of the most recognised internationally. Wide catalogue with lines for every level and their own Antiskid 2.0 technology.

All levels

KROM Kendama

European brand focused on design and performance. A reference for those looking for a refined finish and models built for technical play.

Intermediate-advanced

Kendama USA

One of the historic American kendama brands. Classic models with solid finishes and a recognisable catalogue.

All levels

Active Kendama

Brand with proposals focused on technical performance. A good option for players who have moved past the beginner stage.

Intermediate-advanced

Kendama Europe

European brand with a more focused catalogue. Worth checking when looking for specific models.

Varied

Royal Kendama

Brand with curated editions. An alternative for those who want something outside the most common brands.

Varied

How to choose your first kendama

Getting started

Entry-level models

If you have never tried a kendama, look for an entry-level model from any well-known brand (Sweets Starter, equivalents from KROM or Kendama USA). Standard shape, no technical finishes, enough to learn the essential moves (cups, spike) in the first few weeks.

To progress

Intermediate lines with more refined finish

Once you handle the basics and start with lunars, juggles or short combos. This is where the intermediate lines come in (Sweets Prime, mid-range KROM models, etc.), with more refined finishes and still standard shapes.

Technical play

Advanced models with specific finishes

For balance tricks (lunars, lighthouses, stalls), long combos or competition. High-end models from each brand, usually with non-slip finishes (like Sweets Antiskid) and optimised shapes, make a real difference at this level.

Finishes and shapes worth knowing

Before choosing, there are three technical aspects worth understanding:

  • Ken finish: can be standard paint/lacquer (more slippery, common on basic lines) or a matte finish with controlled friction (like Sweets Antiskid, sticky or tacky on other brands). Matte finishes help with balance tricks.
  • Shape: the classic Japanese shape is the baseline, but there are modern variations with wider cup edges or slightly modified necks that make certain tricks easier.
  • Wood: beech is standard. Some brands use alternative woods with different weight or impact properties.

If you want to dig deeper, here are three useful resources:

Frequently asked questions about kendamas

Which kendama brand is best to start?

There is no single answer, but entry-level lines from recognised brands (Sweets Starter, basic models from KROM or Kendama USA) are reasonable options. The important thing is to pick a kendama with standard shape and simple finish, without advanced technologies you will not yet take advantage of.

How long does it take to learn kendama?

Basic tricks (cups, spike) are learned in days or weeks of regular practice. Intermediate moves (lunars, juggles) take months. Advanced tricks can take years of practice. Progression is fairly codified in the kendama world and there is always a next level.

What is the difference between classic Japanese kendama and modern ones?

The classic Japanese keeps the traditional shape with relatively small cups and a simple finish. Modern Western versions usually have slightly wider cups, controlled-friction finishes and other adaptations to make tricks like lunars or stalls more accessible. For modern competitive play, Western models are more common.

What is Sweets Antiskid finish?

It is a matte finish developed by Sweets Kendamas to add controlled friction to the cups and the base of the ken. It helps with balance tricks where the ball has to stay in place. Other brands have their own finishes with the same idea (sticky, tacky), though the Antiskid name belongs to Sweets.

Can you practise kendama indoors?

Yes. Kendama does not need much space: a couple of metres clear around you is enough for most tricks. Just keep in mind that the ball in swing can hit nearby objects until you have more control.

Size Chart

xxs xs s m l xl 2xl
US Size0-02-44-68-1012-1416-1820-22
Bust (in)30-3232-3434-3636-3838-4040-42.542.5-45.5
Under Bust (in)25-2627-2828-2930-31.532-33.534-3636-38
Waist (in)23.5-24.525-26.527-28.529-30.531-33.534-36.537-40
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