Boo Johnson has spent years spreading the word about kendama, and this is his third signature model with Sweets Kendamas. The design, called Sacred, draws on motifs from sacred geometry and the player’s own tattoos, and covers the entire ken in engravings. This version uses the Legend shape and Anti-Skid 2.0 lacquer.

• BrandSweets Kendamas
• ModelBoo Johnson Sacred
• ShapeLegend, with balance bevel on the base cup
• WoodBeech (ken and tama)
• Tama62 mm, Anti-Skid 2.0 matte lacquer
• IncludesMetal spinner bead, spare string and model stickers

Design

A kendama has three parts: the ken (handle with spike), the sarado (the piece with the side cups) and the tama (the ball). What sets the Sacred apart is the engravings running all over the ken, with geometric figures and drawings taken from Boo’s tattoos. They serve as decoration and, being in relief, also as a reference by touch and sight. The model previously existed on the Amped shape; Sweets has now updated it to the Legend.

Shape and finish

Legend is the shape designed by Matt “Sweets” Jorgenson, the brand’s founder, slightly sturdier than the Amped and carefully refined for the lunar, the trick in which the ken balances on the ball. The base cup has a balance bevel, a recess that helps with this type of trick. Both ken and tama are beech. The 62 mm tama comes with Anti-Skid 2.0, a matte clear lacquer that gives grip but leaves room to adjust the ball’s position during a trick.