The Aqua Series from Kendama Europe, the German brand behind the Record series, is a limited, short-run reissue of some of its most popular Record designs. This is the Record Plus Stardance, with an MC finish.

• BrandKendama Europe
• ModelRecord Plus Stardance (Aqua Series)
• WoodBeech (ken and tama)
• FinishMC (Match Clear), tacky clear lacquer
• IncludesLong spare string, bead, threader, illustrated trick guide and stickers

Design

A kendama has three parts: the ken (the handle with the spike), the sarado and the tama (the ball). Stardance is inspired by the stars that seem to dance as night falls; the manufacturer lists it with a white base and a printed design.

The Record Plus shape

The Record Plus, a reissue of the classic Record, is slightly larger than a standard kendama. The sarado (the crosspiece) is chunky in the middle with very large cups; the small cup has a wider rim than the big cup, which helps with balance tricks. A cut-out in the base cup shifts the weight towards the centre, designed for the lunar (the ken balanced on the ball). The tama is slightly larger than usual, with a wider hole and a large bevel that makes the spike (sticking the ball onto the point) easier.

Materials and finish

Both ken and tama are made of beech. The tama is finished in MC (Match Clear), Kendama Europe’s newest clear lacquer and the stickiest of its three finishes (natural, Grip and MC): it holds the ball in stalls, the tricks in which it rests still on the ken. A micro bearing stops the string from tangling. Recommended age: 7 and up.