Spin top (Koma) by Kumamotokoma
JAPANESE TRADIONAL TOY, KOMA.
To play "Koma" (独楽, コマ) with friends was what many children do quite some time ago. Even me, when I was a kid, it was tradition in every new year for all relatives to gather up and, kids whom rarely meet play with it. I remember envying second cousin's really expensive spin. Shiny and brilliantly colorful.
Now, it is something you don't see often in Japan anymore. Especially in urban areas, after certain age, I mean, definitely not grown, kids no more play outside, stuck in their rooms and play video games. Even if you see kids gathering in play grounds, they are playing Pokemon on 3DS.
I am not saying that's bad. Kids should do what they want to do, shouldn't be told what to do all the time. I am saying tradition like "Koma", would be nice to be preserved.
If you are planning to see country side of Japan, come to Yame area in Fukuoka. There is a Koma specialized shop that has 100 years of its business history.
The shop is called, Kumamotokoma (隈本コマ). Produce many different sorts of Koma but also Kendama and wooden toys.
Rakukoka2.
Price: ¥1,080
Comes with the string. Suitable for Koma beginners because grooves will catch the string. Knobs on top and bottom can be used to spin it.
To find out more on how to roll up the string, watch this video, 1min long. No english subtitle with the video but it should give you enough info.
Kinoko koma.
Price: ¥2,160
3 komas Japanese mashroom shape pack, come with box. You don't need strings to spin these, so fairly easy to play.
Kyushu no koma set.
Price: ¥2,700
5 different koma as 1 set. Also comes with a box. Yame koma, Hakata koma, Higo koma, Hirato koma, and Sasebo koma with 2 strings.
Koma no hashioki.
Price: ¥2,700
Hashioki is chopstick reset. They are not design to play.
Where to buy: "Kumamotokoma"
Address: 1507-3, Yoshida, Yame city, Fukuoka
Open hours: 10:00 to 17:00
Closed on: Weekends and national holidays
Kumamotokoma official site.
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