Kiseki is a line of the Tensei, Kendama Europe’s high-end range, which the brand presents as a “progression series” of five designs with Japanese names. Akatsuki means “dawn” and represents the start of the cycle, the moment to take the first step. This version has the MC finish.

• BrandKendama Europe
• ModelTensei Kiseki Akatsuki
• WoodMaple (ken) and ash (tama)
• FinishMC (Match Clear), tacky clear lacquer
• Tama62 mm, 23.7 mm bevel
• StringEight fingers

The Tensei shape

A kendama has three parts: the ken (the handle ending in a spike), the sarado (the crosspiece with the two side cups) and the tama (the ball with a hole). Tensei (“rebirth”, according to the brand) builds on the Record series and has been refined using 3D modelling and a study of how weight is distributed across each part. The inside of the sarado is cut away to control throws, the contact points are matched to the tama, and the hole in the base cup balances the ken in the lunar (the ken balanced on the tama).

Materials and finish

Kiseki combines two woods: maple for the ken and ash for the tama. MC (Match Clear) is Kendama Europe’s clear, tacky lacquer: it holds the ball on catches and in stalls (tricks in which the tama or the ken rests still in balance). The tama measures 62 mm and its bevel (the rim of the hole) is “deformable”: it gives slightly under the impact of the spike and beds in sooner, so the spike (sticking the ball onto the point) feels more secure. The string is long, eight fingers (the number that fit between the base cup and the bead). Recommended age: 7 and up.