Key Facts
• Shun Okawa, a 9-year-old from Numazu, won the All-Japan Kendama Championship in August 2025.
• The event was held in Tokyo, featuring a boys’ division with a 1-on-1 tournament format.
• Okawa practiced 5 hours daily, 4–5 days a week, to perfect 10 required tricks.
• He overcame disappointment from his 2024 debut, where he placed in the top 8.
• The championship required participants to perform 4 randomly selected tricks without errors.
• In case of a tie, a speed-based competition on 7 tricks determined the winner.
• Okawa’s father, a four-time national kendama champion, and his Guinness record-holding brother inspired him.
• He previously won the 6-year-old division at the 2022 Kendama World Cup.
• Despite falling ill two weeks before the event, Okawa maintained focus and avoided common training trends.
• His victory was celebrated by his family, with his father expressing pride in his growth.
Summary
Shun Okawa, a 9-year-old kendama enthusiast from Numazu, achieved a remarkable victory at the All-Japan Kendama Championship in August 2025. After placing in the top 8 during his 2024 debut, Okawa dedicated himself to rigorous practice, mastering 10 required tricks and preparing for the tournament’s high-pressure format. Inspired by his father, a four-time national champion, and his Guinness record-holding brother, Okawa began playing kendama at age 2. Despite falling ill shortly before the event, he maintained focus and avoided common training trends, earning praise for his determination. His flawless performance throughout the tournament secured his first championship title, marking a significant milestone in his kendama journey. Okawa now aims to win the All-Japan Kendama Championship for older age groups by high school, continuing his pursuit of excellence.
