Opening up a new eraShinshuBrand ShinshuBrand Awards 2021 NAGANO GOOD DESIGN Category Award "Tstsuken"

NAGANO GOOD DESIGN Category Award
"Tsubjun"

Tsutsuken Co., Ltd. Representative Shimizu Satoru

Enjoyable for children and adults alikeShinshuA new sports toy has been born.

Its name is "Tsukiken." Along with the rhythmic sounds of the konkonkon, the "Tsukiken" is Shimizu Satoru, the representative of Tsutsuken Co., Ltd. and a certified instructor for the Japan Kendama Association.

"Tsukiken" is a simple toy that comes with a round tube and a ball filled with sand.

It could be called a kendama without thread, but the feeling of playing is completely different.

There is no thread connecting the main body and ball, so there is no limit to movement, and thanks to the sandy ball and tube, it is easy to catch, and it is easy to enjoy by one or multiple people, making it attracting attention in a variety of fields.

The trigger was a potato chip tube and juggling bowl that I happened to have in my hand.

The original tube made from potato chip tubes

The development of Tsutsuken began 12 years ago. Shimizu began attending Kendama classes with her child, who was the older child at the nursery school at the time, and became more and more obsessed with it.

While working as a salaryman, Shimizu mastered Kendama until he obtained a qualification as a dan and instructor, and as a lecturer, he also began to be involved in activities such as Kendama classes to convey the joy of the work. Eventually, I began to think about whether there is a good way to make Kendama enjoyable, even if you feel that Kendama is difficult.

One day, he happened to try out the movement of the kendama using a cylindrical potato chip container and a juggling ball, and he apparently thought that it was very easy to catch, and that even people who don't like kendamas could enjoy it.

Shimizu Satoru, CEO of Tsutsuken Co., Ltd. Tsutsuken official YouTube shows off various techniques herself

"The children's attention when they brought their tubes to the Kendama class was amazing. It felt like there were many children who were using tubes from start to finish even though it was a Kendama class (laughs). I bought countless potato chips and took the "original Tsutsuken" that I had made with handmade "original Tsutsuken" to the Kendama class and events," says Shimizu.

Gradually, many people began to request that they try out tube kennels, and they began to move towards commercialization using the combination of resin tubes and sandy balls.

Although the shape was decided, there was a lot of trial and error in terms of the material of the tube and the weight of the ball, and the number of prototypes has increased to over 200. In June 2021, when we discovered a satisfactory shape and material, and were ready to prepare, we quit our job and founded Tsutsuken Co., Ltd.

"The trigger was a tool to improve your Kendama, but Tsutsuken can make many people feel that they have done it. I think it will also help people feel happy when they are able to do various techniques and increase their self-esteem," says Shimizu.

His smile shows how the days he is working on promoting Tsutsuken are fulfilling, even if it is tough.

From children to seniors

Tsutsuken is also used in elementary schools because of its convenience. Last year, a fourth-grade student announced a "Tsukiken Dance," in which a dance is combined with "Tsukiken" to the prefectural song "Shinano Kuni" at an elementary school sports day in Ueda City.

The dance movements created by professional choreographers also feature original parts that incorporate the techniques of Tsutsuken, which children find cool, and Shimizu said the presentation was well received by many people, including parents, and he said he gained more confidence.

Furthermore, it has been discovered that playing with a tube can lead to strengthening the legs and hips through squat exercises, improving balance, improving concentration, and also increasing brain activity, and has now become widely used in facilities for the elderly.

When you try it out, your body warms up after just a few minutes.

"When you try to catch it, you unconsciously move your knees up and down to squat exercises. The knees are just as important for Kendama, but you can't do it unless you're conscious. But when you get the tube, your knees naturally move," says Shimizu.

It is highly praised for its low hurdles that make it easy for everyone, from children to the elderly to feel "it's done!", its depth is available in a variety of ways to play, and its wide range of fun things, making it fun for both single and large groups.ShinshuIn addition to the NAGANO GOOD DESIGN category at the Brand Awards 2021, it was also awarded the Multi-Generation Exchange Award in November last year at the "Good Toy Award 2021," a toy award system that is decided by votes by play specialists.

He is now receiving advice from an occupational therapist, and is preparing to use it for rehabilitation purposes for the elderly and for improving motor functions.

A tube that was inspired by a familiar item called potato chip tube that I suddenly got in my hand. The possibilities are endless.

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*This article is information as of May 2022. Please note that the products we carry may have changed.