PLYMOUTH, Minn. — Hundreds of people from around the world are in Minnesota this weekend to compete in North America's largest kendama tournament.
Kendama is a traditional Japanese skill toy consisting of a handle (ken), a pair of cups (sarado), and a ball (tama) that are all connected by a string.
The North American Kendama Open (NAKO) is Nov. 15 -17 at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West Hotel in Plymouth. It's become popular in part due to a Minneapolis-based company, Sweets Kendamas, and the company's owner, Matt "Sweets" Jorgenson.
Sweets Kendamas hosts the nation's largest kendama competitions and sells the toys at Target stores nationwide.
In partnership with the nonprofit Mindfulness Through Play, it also operates 12 kendama clubs at afterschool programs across the Twin Cities.
Besides the competition, NAKO will feature music, merchandise, workshops, video premiers and an award show.
Tickets are $60 for the weekend or $25/day.