THE CLASSIC, THE MASTERPIECE.
The hero product from top-maker Kumamoto Koma: The Original Yame-region battling top (known as kenka koma), with the signature belly button bulge on the face. 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 good weight and perfect stability. Hold one in hand, feel the weight and craftsmanship, and you will be able to see why this is a masterpiece of woodwork.
It is made with a rare hardwood that is becoming very difficult to source. Mr. Kumamoto works hard to sustain the production of this legendary piece, and it is available in extreme limited quantity due to the material rarity now.
These well-made wooden tops are great collectible toys and makes great 縁起物 "lucky gifts"; or for those who has the interest to pick up this action-pack leisure activity. The pair of classic kenka koma are symbolic as lucky so they make great unique gifts for anniversary and many other special celebrations.
What is KENKA KOMA? (translates to "Combat Top")
This is an ancient game that is still popular in Japan, kids and grownups run tournaments and battle at the park. Participants would try to smash the spinning top over the opponent's top, and break it. (super hard to break as they are made of hardwood). Blemishes and dents on the top are like "trophy marks". Kids also do tricks with them, like spinning it on the ground and then transition it to their palms.
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. This kenka koma is made with Japanese Stone Oak hardwood from Kyushu, which is extremely rare to find. Every year, it is becoming more challenging for Mr. Kumamoto to produce this masterpiece. Currently, only about 3000 units are produced every year, during a designated 10-days schedule. Mr. Kumamoto said as long as there are users, someone has to keep making them. But no one for sure knows how long they can maintain the original material and production methods.
The signature metal tip makes it suitable for any outdoor koma top battles. The replacement metal tip is available (sold separately). Take the Kenka koma outdoor, to the park, to open baseball fields, get some fresh air and have some fun excercise.
Watch kids in Japan battling with kenka koma
The smaller indoor version is of equal craftsmanship and the top tip makes is possible to play on indoor flooring without damaging the surface,
MATERIAL
Wood- Japanese Stone Oak from Kyushu
Metal (base tip) for Outdoor-use
Cotton String
Burlap bag for storage
WEIGHT 95g, 77g
DIMENSION OUTDOOR dia 74mm (2.9"); INDOOR: dia 70mm (2.75")
PROUDLY HAND-MADE in JAPAN.
* OUTDOOR-USE Kenka Koma: The most suitable surface to play kenka koma is plywood board, dirt ground and even short-growing turf. Asphalt or concrete is doable, but not recommended as it wears out the metal tip faster. DO NOT use on interior wood flooring.
* INDOOR USE Koma: wood base for indoor flooring
* Recommend for children age 6 and over. Throw only in open area and away from people and objects.