JKA Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow
Founded in 1975 the JKA was created to help codify the play of kendama into a sport and to promote it across Japan. They also incorporated the concept of “Dō” to help develop both the mind and character. This training is similar to that in Japanese martial arts some of which even include “Dō” in their names like Judo, Kendo, and Aikido.
Today, as the oldest kendama organization in the world, the JKA strives to maintain its connection with its past while looking forward to the future by connecting with kendama players around the world.
The Japan Kendama Association is certified as a Public Interest Incorporated Corporation (Kōeki Shadanhōjin – 公益社団法人) and operates as a non-profit.
Mission:
- Communicate, teach, and promote the traditions of kendama
- Improve the technology and method as a modern sport
- Integrate with schools, clubs, and others interested in learning about kendama
- Promote kendama as a life-long sport with players of all ages
- Internationalize by fostering international communication and cultural exchange
けん玉の響きは平和の響き。( kendama no hibiki wa heiwa no hibiki)
The sound of kendama is the sound of peace.
Japan Kendama Association was founded
Established association headquarters in Nishitokyo (formerly Tanashi, Tokyo)
Kazuo (Issei) Fujiwara, became the first Chairman
Abbreviation of Japan Kendama Association changed to “NKK”
(Nihon Kendama Kyōkai)
1st Moshikame Record Challenge
Established Kendama-dō Class Certification Table
1st All Japan Kendama-dō Championships
Patent registration (No. 1427755): Kendama “utility model” (実用新案)
1st first authorized license workshop
1st Japan Kendama Association Cup (JKA Cup) competition
1st Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology – All Japan Boys & Girls Kendama Championships
Abbreviation of Japan Kendama Association changed to “JKA”
First Chairman Kazuo (Issei) Fujiwara passes away
Kinjiro Nomura (Vice Chairman) became the second Chairman
Yoshio Kanai (Advisor) became the third Chairman
Relocated the association headquarters to Misaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Changed the name from the Moshikame Record Challenge to the All Japan Kendama Moshikame Championship
F16-2 kendama created
Acquired non-profit organization (NPO) certification from the Cabinet Office
1st All Japan Class Ranked Kendama-dō Championships
1st Kendama Painting Contest
Patent registration (No. 1193238): Kendama design
1st All Japan Kendama Performance Tournament
Patent registration (No. 3641440): Kendama design
1st All Japan Masters Kendama-dō Championship
Teruki Maruishi (Executive Director) is appointed as the fourth Chairman.
Relocated association headquarters to Kanda Jinbōchō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
35th anniversary of the association
1st All Japan Team Championship
1st extension teacher training course held (May 29, Osaka)
Organization changed to a general incorporated association
Renewal of association website
Reorganized as a Public Interest Incorporated Association
Yoshinori Matsunaga (Vice Chairman) is appointed as the fifth Chairman
40th anniversary of the association
Renewal of association website with additional content for English pages
45th anniversary of the association
For more information regarding the JKA please click here.