Gentosha Inc. is taking kendama, a classic Japanese ball-and-cup toy, to a new level with a little help from DJ Koo, a member of f the Japanese pop group TRF.
Unlike most kendama, which are traditionally made of wood, the Avex Music Kendama has a red plastic body with LED lights and a miniature speaker.
Buttons on the grip allow the user to choose between three modes:
In the count-up mode, DJ Koo counts the number of times the user successfully catches the ball in the kendama¡¯s cups or spike.
In DJ mode, the user¡¯s motions are synced with analog, dub or techno beats specially created by DJ Koo.
Music mode allows users to play along to TRF hit songs ¡°EZ Do Dance¡± or ¡°Boy Meets Girl¡± while DJ Koo¡¯s voice offers encouragement.
A definite collectible for TRF fans, the toy has the official blessings of Japan Kendama Association as it promotes it as a sport and a tradition.
The product was released on June 12 and has retail price of ?2,500.
See more of the Avex Music Kendama in action:
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