I've just had word from Yano-san that this year's World Kendama Championship is on July 14th.
I don't know if I'll definitely be able to go this year, but I'm going to try really hard to. I'm sure that I speak for all the foreigners who went in saying we had an absolutely great time last year. I encourage everyone who loves kendama to get the hell over there if you possibly can.
For those who are newish to the scene, my blog of last year's event starts here:
http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,429.msg3940.html#msg3940 (http://www.kendama.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,429.msg3940.html#msg3940)
(http://tlmb.net/galleries/Japan2012/mediafiles/l51.jpg)
No chance for me this year but I may build it into my 2014 budget. It's on my lifegoal list!
best time ive ever had! Japan in itself is an amazing place to be... but with all of the kendama players together under one roof...its even BETTER!!! i have to go back... dont care how i get there.. its happening!! i hope you all can join me! :)
I'll be in Japan beginning of April. I guess that's too early for the festival and I'm sure I won't be there in July.
But Toulouse is getting more certain :)
Would be amazing to get the KAtW Ken here :) Anyone going willing to take it?
Cheers n Gone
Quote from: Kernow Kendama on 10 April, 2013, 02:50:33
Would be amazing to get the KAtW Ken here :) Anyone going willing to take it?
Cheers n Gone
i would take it! but it would have to either meet me there or come to canada first.. and i could bring it to france after for the ejc!
(http://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/581187_392783690830527_702769116_n.jpg)
My plan is to head to this event, hopefully everything comes together and I can make it! Should be an amazing time!
Have a fantastic time, Alex. Alas, I think the closest I will get to this year's event is being on the poster. :-/
Searching Youtube for "kendama festa2013" throws up last year's set of trick videos, although they all now have "2013" in the descriptions. Get practising!
I'll have to take a look at the tricks, though I must admit I probably won't practice that seriously. I'm more interested in attending to see old friends and make some new ones, and to see what a Japanese event is all about. Keith is planning on attending as well, I'm sure he'll give the eastern players a run for their money.
Fun fact: July 14th is my birthday. Hooray!
cant wait for this! it's so soon!!
Exciiiting
Here is the translation I submitted to Yano san. Obviously some people here are going so please look into these.
If you have any questions please let me know.
Are anyone who is going / visiting going for a homestay?? If so, please contact me - I have something to tell you ;)
Enjoy your trip!!
Yoko
(craftybuddy)
Great stuff, thanks Yoko!
Good luck and have fun to everyone this weekend! Wish I could be there. :-\
So, my money's on Mukai-san for the title, with Keith giving the "best foreigner" showing. Whaddya reckon?
Wondering who won... .!?
http://instagram.com/p/bumd73lNaD/ (http://instagram.com/p/bumd73lNaD/)
http://instagram.com/p/bvbrohFNQh/ (http://instagram.com/p/bvbrohFNQh/)
From this photo...
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=412454758863420&set=a.191714274270804.38257.100002966974979 (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=412454758863420&set=a.191714274270804.38257.100002966974979)... It looks like it might have been Kenta Sakamoto? Or the Mongolian player next to him? (Can't tell gold from bronze in that pic!)
[user]roddama[/user] has sent word that "a thirteen year old girl won", so that must be her standing behind the trophy. Congratulations to her! Wow, last year 14, this year 13, will it be a 12-year old next year!?
Quote from: The Void on 14 July, 2013, 15:49:45
[user]roddama[/user] has sent word that "a thirteen year old girl won", so that must be her standing behind the trophy. Congratulations to her! Wow, last year 14, this year 13, will it be a 12-year old next year!?
Yes, her name is Miss Sakura Ohno. She has been winning all sorts of competitions in Japan.
But apparently when she was given the trophy, she was weeping for joy. God bless her!! Congratulations to her and all who had done the best!!
Yoko
Thanks for the info, Yoko. Well done miss Ohno!
Wow... 13 years old! Congrats to her! Is anybody know who was the "best foreigner"?
The Mongolian competitors would probably be considered the best foreigners there, not sure what place(s) they came in though.
I made it to the 3rd round (note: it was me vs. Matt Ballard 1st round, then I had a by through the second round, only to get rolled by last years champ in the 3rd round). Thorkild also did well, he made it to the 2nd or 3rd round before losing to K Cima.
Fun contest, but not nearly as fun at the GLOKEN cup the next day. The WKO was the quintessential 'Japanese style' contest - intense preparation in order to perform the tricks absolutely perfectly every time hehe. The consistency of the top players is pretty amazing. GLOKEN cup was much more westerner friendly :P
Had a ton of fun though, it was amazing to meet some new Japanese players, and see some old friends. Everyone sung happy birthday for me while I was on stage, which was pretty crazy hehe. Most people I've ever had singing to me at one time :p