When I showed this video to my Japanese father-in-law (mid 70s) his face lit up as he began telling me how as a boy he and his friends would stage exciting fighting top competitions on the street in front of their home (rural farming community without much car traffic). Fighting tops are a special variety of spinning top (tops in general are called koma) made of solid metal or wood with a steel ring around the outer edge. The tops are "thrown" after a long string is wound around the body; and some skill is necessary to give a top a proper spin and to cause it to land within range of an opponent's top. Once engaged, a pair of fighting tops will crash and bang into one another until a victor is declared when either one top stops moving or has been pushed outside the designated game area. This video was filmed outside an old fashioned candy store near my home in Shizuoka Japan. (KB)
A tip from grandpa Suzuki:
My wife's father points out that a kenkagoma's steel ring may sometimes come loose from the wooden body. He notes that when he was a boy and this happened he and his friends would place the top in water for a short while in order to cause the wooden body to swell and thus reseat the ring. directorzone.cy...
🚶‍♂️Step into the world of traditional Japanese games with "Japanese Fighting Spinning Top: Kenkagoma Koma," an episode of Softypapa Adventures that delves into the exciting realm of kenkagoma. These special spinning tops, known for their thrilling competitions, evoke a sense of nostalgia and joy, especially among those who remember them from childhood.
Join Kurt Bell as he uncovers the history and charm of kenkagoma through a personal story shared by his Japanese father-in-law. As a boy in a rural farming community, where the quiet streets rarely saw car traffic, he and his friends would engage in spirited battles of kenkagoma, turning simple play into moments of intense competition and camaraderie.
Discover the craftsmanship behind these fighting tops, traditionally made from solid metal or wood with a steel ring around the outer edge, designed to withstand the impact of clashing with an opponent. The skill involved in winding the long string around the top's body, throwing it with precision, and mastering the strategy to outmaneuver opponents highlights the depth of this seemingly simple game.
Filmed near an old-fashioned candy store in Shizuoka, Japan, this video captures not only the action and excitement of kenkagoma battles but also paints a picture of the community and cultural significance surrounding traditional Japanese games.
"Japanese Fighting Spinning Top: Kenkagoma Koma" invites viewers to explore the timeless appeal of kenkagoma, reflecting on how traditional games can foster connections across generations, encourage skill development, and offer pure, unadulterated fun. 🎌🔴🚶‍♂️
➡️ Learn more about the rich tapestry of Japanese culture and traditions with Kurt. Secure your copy of his insightful books here (hardcover edition recommended): a.co/d/6SORY8N
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This episode serves as a reminder of the joy and community that traditional games like kenkagoma bring, encouraging viewers to explore and appreciate the cultural heritage and playful spirit that these activities represent.