Strings & Accessories for Kendama

Strings, cases and accessories for your kendama

The kendama is a toy that lasts years, but it has consumable parts: the string wears out with every trick, tacky paint loses grip over time, and sometimes you want to change the look with new paint or customize your setup. Here you'll find all the kendama replacements and accessories to keep your kendama at competition level or personalize it your way.

Available kendama accessories

• Replacement strings: standard 2 mm nylon, thicker paracord, special editions with beads, color strings to customize.
• Cases and bags: to carry the kendama protected in your backpack.
• Tacky paint / spray: to add grip to an old kendama, restore a worn one or personalize a new one in your favorite color.
• Loose tama and ken: for custom combinations. Many advanced players mix ken from one brand with tama from another.
• Sandpaper and tools: to polish, modify, restore or customize parts of your kendama.
• Stickers and vinyls: to personalize the ken with the look of your favorite brand.
• Beads and string knobs: small aesthetic and functional accessories for some grips.

When should you replace the string?

Replace the string when you see fraying, knot wear or loss of tension. A worn string can snap mid-trick and the ball drops, potentially damaging the ken or the tama itself. Daily play: every 4–6 months. Casual play (couple times a week): a year or more.

How to change the string step by step

1. Remove the old string by undoing the knot at the ken (in the sarado screw piece) and pulling the other end out of the tama hole.
2. Thread the new string through the tama hole leaving 5–10 cm slack for the knot.
3. Make a double knot inside the tama hole. Pull to confirm it doesn't slip out.
4. Pass the other end through the ken and tie it to the sarado screw.
5. Check that the total length feels right — pros often shorten for better control.

Brands of kendama accessories

FAQ about kendama accessories