Throw, Catch, Repeat: Moanalua High School’s kendama Craze

Moanalua High School is no stranger to passing trends. Whether it be baggy jeans or wired headphones, the new kendama trend isn’t necessarily “new.” The origin of the kendama can be traced back to the early 16th century, but the modern toy we know today experienced its first wave in the mid 2010s (2012-14). This traditional Japanese toy consists of a handle called ken, sarado or cross piece with two cups, a ball connected by a string (tama), and a base cup. The game is played by holding the ken and tossing the tama to land it in any of the cups.

“I think it’s totally cool that trends come back. Many students remember [them] from when they were kids,” expresses Spanish teacher Ms. Heather Paulino.

“I had to pull mine out of my closet when I found out they were back, ” states Julianne Mochuzuki.

With such a simple concept, many teachers and adults on campus might wonder about its appeal. What draws these teenagers in at lunch when they could be scrolling on their phones? Well, the simplicity of the kendama IS the appeal!

Junior Lucian James agrees with that idea, stating, “What kendama does for me… is take me off my phone, which I appreciate.”

Another student, Duke Kane-Schoitz shares a similar experience. “It’s just a fun way to stay off my phone and chill with friends, I think it’s just so popular that it draws you in,” he says.

The kendama has truly taken Moanalua High School by storm, even warranting a short-lived ban from school administration due to dangers associated with the lightning-fast ball attached.

“It was kind of funny because everyone was making a big fuss about it,” says senior Awan Wisuhandi.

“I thought it was nuts! I thought I wasn’t going to be able to play,” expresses Kane-Schoitz.

Initially announced at the school’s annual Welcome Back Assembly, the ban was put in place as an effort to prioritize the safety of students, as the swinging motion of the heavy wooden ball creates a potential hazard. However, it was revealed the following week that the administration had chosen to lift the ban, simply implementing a rule against playing during instructional time. The new regulation allows students to enjoy their new hobby while still remaining engaged during classes.

However, some teachers and students still have conflicting opinions even after the ban was lifted.

“I think it definitely does not belong in hallways and stairs, I think it causes distractions and can cause some people to get hit. I just don’t think it’s safe, you’re not paying attention to your surroundings.” Expresses Paulino.

“I understand that kendamas are a distraction and even dangerous, they are made of wood and you’re swinging it around, but I’m not sure a full ban would’ve been justified,” shares Mochuzuki.

Moanalua High School is not the only home of the kendama; the toy’s popularity has spread across the island as well. Adults and children alike can regularly be seen showing off their tricks in all sorts of places: malls, beaches, parks, and more.

Many stores are taking advantage of this boom, selling kendamas at a rapid pace. Some stores, such as the Pearlridge Center’s T&C Surf Designs, are even out of stock as customers rush to join the craze.

Store at Aiea’s Pearlridge Center advertises kendamas, simultaneously prohibits individuals from playing while inside. So while it’s uncertain whether kendamas are here to stay at Moanalua, students, teachers, and administrators can all expect to see groups of students playing kendama.

Throw, Catch, Repeat: Moanalua High School’s kendama Craze

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