Kendama is a traditional Japanese folk game played with a wooden handle with a large wooden ball attached by a string.  Its origins trace back to the 1,700s with it gaining widespread popularity in the Edo Period and even spreading across the world with its own world championship competition. 

Nagai City, located in the Okitama region of Yamagata Prefecture, is not only the largest producer of this craft, but it also has one of the largest concentration of skilled players.  Here in this city kendama is taught in elementary schools and even is a strong point of pride for its local residents.  

There is even a facility right in front of Nagai Station that offers lessons by english speaking players for visitors where you can take home your own Nagai kendama after learning the basics and seeing a pro at work.