Kendama Shop Yume. ー Where Kendama Connects the World

Hatsukaichi is known as the birthplace of kendama. Every summer, the Kendama World Cup takes place in Hatsukaichi, drawing players from around the globe who come to test their skills and share their passion.

But kendama culture here is not limited to one weekend a year. It lives on in everyday spaces — and one of those places is Kendama Shop Yume. In 2016, IWATA Co.,Ltd. — a leading kendama maker in Japan — took over a kendama specialty shop here, continuing its role as a gathering place for the kendama community and carrying forward Hatsukaichi’s legacy.

Inside, kendamas line the walls in natural finishes, deep matte blacks, and vibrant contemporary colors. In recent years, kendama has evolved far beyond its traditional image. Today, bold designs and artistic finishes reflect personal style as much as performance.

Connection is at the heart of the shop. On any given weekend, local regulars chat at the counter, children practice after school, and visitors from abroad stop by between sightseeing and training sessions. Over time, Kendama Shop Yume. has become an international crossroads where players meet not as tourists and locals, but as fellow enthusiasts. They trade techniques, leave stickers on the wall, and share the rhythm of trial and error, as language barriers fade when everyone is focused on landing the same trick.

One wall, covered in stickers from players around the world, forms a colorful record of these encounters — each marking a visit, a shared moment, a new connection.

The shop carries Iwata’s signature “Mugen Musou” series — prized for its elegant design, refined craftsmanship, and exceptional balance. Alongside these flagship models, you’ll also find kendamas from different countries, each with its own character.

There is also a customization corner where you can explore different woods, finishes, and grip styles to find one that fits your hand — or create a kendama that feels uniquely yours. For a meaningful souvenir, some items come packaged in recycled paper made from origami cranes, a subtle nod to Hiroshima.

Workshops and practice sessions are held regularly, offering visitors the chance not only to buy a kendama, but to experience the culture firsthand. Details are shared on the shop’s Instagram.

Here in Hatsukaichi, kendama is not just something you watch at a competition. It is something you pick up, try, miss, and try again — at a place where the world feels unexpectedly close.