Hikari means “light” in Japanese and gives its name to one of the Record Plus designs from Kendama Europe, the German brand behind the Record series. The brand presents it as an image of clarity and direction even in the darkest moments. This version has the Grip finish.

• BrandKendama Europe
• ModelRecord Plus Hikari
• WoodBeech (ken and tama)
• FinishGrip, varnish with grip
• ColourYellow
• 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). Hikari is one of the beech Record Plus designs with Japanese names, alongside others such as Mori, Raijin and Ogon; the manufacturer lists it in yellow.

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. Kendama Europe offers the Record Plus in three finishes: natural, Grip and MC (Match Clear). This one has Grip, a varnish the brand recommends for balance tricks; the stickiest finish is MC, which is sold separately. A micro bearing at the string attachment stops the string from tangling. Recommended age: 7 and up.