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Kendama World Cup 2025: Embracing Tradition and Global Competition

The Kendama World Cup, officially known as the WoodOne Kendama World Cup Hatsukaichi 2025, is set to take center stage on November 15th and 16th, 2025. Hosted in the beautiful city of Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima Prefecture, this prestigious event will mark its twelfth edition with a record participation of over 1,000 competitors from 26 different countries and regions. This year's event is not just a competition; it symbolizes the growing international interest in kendama, a traditional Japanese skill toy that has gained popularity worldwide.

The competition was first established in 2014, quickly evolving into the largest kendama event globally under the auspices of WoodOne, which has been a special sponsor since its inception. Over the years, the tournament has attracted competitors from 40 nations and regions, showcasing the unifying power of this ancient toy.

A New Competitive Season

In a shift that brings the competition to the cooler months, the 2025 Kendama World Cup aims to avoid the oppressive heat of summer, facilitating better performances from the athletes. This year's main venue will be the Global Resort Sports Center San Cherry, where players will engage in thrilling matches to compete for the coveted title of world champion. Notably, this year will see teams from Finland and Iceland making their debut, adding to the diversity and excitement of the tournament.

Last year's champions, including Ryoga Kawamoto and Takuya Igarashi, have raised the stakes for this year’s competition. Kawamoto, who won as a mere 13-year-old, will be defending his title against the formidable Igarashi, who has made history by winning back-to-back championships. The fierce rivalry between these two, alongside new contenders, promises an unpredictable and captivating championship.

Structure and Schedule of the Event

The event will follow a well-structured schedule beginning with preliminaries on the first day. Registration for players will commence at 9:30 AM, followed by multiple rounds of trials and preliminary competitions throughout the day. Spectators can witness exceptional skills and creativity as competitors showcase their best tricks. The day will culminate with results announcements and a demonstration event featuring past champions.

On the second day, the finals will commence early, with a series of high-stakes competitions determining the ultimate champions across several categories. With a prize money of 500,000 yen for the victor, the competition is not just about glory but also significant rewards for skill and talent.

Fostering International Relations through Kendama

One of the unique aspects of the Kendama World Cup is its dedication to fostering international friendships through kendama culture. An online participation format will continue, allowing players from various remote locations across Japan to join in the competition. This initiative has successfully broadened the scope for international exchange and nurtured the next generation of kendama enthusiasts.

This year's competition has gathered 822 participants at the main venue, with a notable 149 international competitors highlighting the global reach of this event. These numbers emphasize the importance of kendama in bridging cultures, with players from countries including Australia, the United States, China, Israel, Taiwan, and Germany participating.

Sponsored Athletes and Major Brand Participation

As the kendama community continues to grow, many sponsored athletes from leading brands are slated to participate in this year's tournament. The competition will feature athletes from renowned brands like KendamaUSA and KROM, among others. Their involvement not only enhances the quality of the competition but also showcases the increasing prominence of kendama on a global scale.

Conclusion

With a focus on skill, community, and cultural exchange, the Kendama World Cup 2025 is poised to be an unforgettable celebration of this vibrant sport. The event promises not only fierce competition but also a chance for participants and spectators alike to engage with the rich traditions associated with kendama. For those interested in witnessing this global gathering, the games will be live-streamed on the GLOKEN YouTube channel, ensuring that fans around the world can share in the excitement.

For further information, visit the official website at kendamaworldcup.com and don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this incredible event!