First time with this classic toy?  Not to worry.   Me, too!   (as well as many kindergarten kids in Japan).  Mr. Kumamoto has modified the traditional wood top and created this design for the Rookies!   Nowadays, fewer people play with these traditional toys, school teachers once reflected that it is such a shame that kindergarten kids now graduate without having the chance to learn to spin a top anymore.  
 
Now, all primary schools and kindergarten in Japan order this toy for their students.   It is a way to keep this nostagic toy alive, pass the legend to the future generations.  Yet keep the kids active and train their agility. 
 
It is made with a lighter weight hardwood (Kyushu broadleaf tree).  With spiral grooves routed on the body to guide the cotton string.  There is also a wooden ring at one end of the string so it is easy to clinch on to the string while throwing the top.  
 
Anyone can master top-spinning with this.  Recommended for age 4 and up.   Hope you can graudate from this and try the battle kenka koma in no time! 
 
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Hand-turned and hand-painted by skillful top-makers at Mr. Kumamoto's woodshop in Yame City, Japan.  It is both a beautiful piece of craft art, as well as a high-performing top with perfect stability.  It is light and easy on the hands for smaller children.  All paint used by Kumamoto are toxic-free.  A lot of thoughts and care are put in making toys for the precious future generations.  
 
TOP-MAKING SINCE 1899
The Kumamotos have been producing this Yame kenka koma top since a century ago.   6th generation Mr. Tomonobu Kumamoto is running the operation.  
 
MATERIAL 
Wood-  Kyushu Broadleaf Tree
Cotton String
Burlap storage pouch
Comes with instruction
 
WEIGHT  77g
 
DIMENSION  dia 70mm  dia 2.75"
 
PROUDLY HAND-MADE in JAPAN.
 
* Recommend for children age 4 and over.  Throw only in open area and away from people and objects.