Can't Put It Down... Kendama Craze Captivates Tweens and Teens
Seekonk, MA (PRWEB) February 16, 2014 -- The latest tween and teen craze is not the newest smart phone or tablet. It’s called Kendama and Yomega Corp., maker of high performance yo-yos and skill toys, will showcase and its Kendama product line at Toy Fair in New York from February 16-19. Yomega will also preview its 2014 product line that includes high performance yo-yos for all levels of play, including a new STAR WARS collection and the iconic Yomega Brain which is celebrating 30 years.
The Kendama originated in Japan in the 16th century, long before the words “digital,” “download” and “app” were spoken. Kendama is a simple in concept and a challenge to master. The ball-and-stick skill toy features a wooden handle with two cups and a spike on which players try to catch a colored wooden ball tethered to a string. It takes skill and finesse to do the simplest tricks.
“Kendama has enjoyed a groundswell of popularity among tweens and teens,” said Todd Rywolt, President of Yomega. “Our retailers have seen their stores become gathering places for kids to socialize and share tricks. And, parents love Kendama because it provides a nice break from screen time.”
Starting in markets such as Spokane, Sacramento and Honolulu, the Kendama craze has spread to Minnesota, Illinois and continues to move eastward. Toy stores, hobby shops and even schools hold clubs and gatherings where kids convene to share tricks. Thousands of kids recently gathered in Hawaii for a Kendama competition at the area’s largest shopping center.
Yomega, famous for its high quality yo-yos, has a line of Kendama Pro Deluxe Toss & Catch Skill Games that are available at retailers across the country. The collection features high quality beech wood handles for solid grip and a premium feel. The tethered ball has a durable painted surface in a variety of bright glossy colors and striped patterns. (MSRP: $19.99; Recommended for ages 8 & up)
Yomega will have profressional yo-yo “tricksters” at their booth for the duration of Toy Fair to demonstrate Kendama tricks and and yo-yo stunts.
Other key items in Yomega’s flagship yo-yo line that will be on display include:
STAR WARSTM Yomega Yo Men: Yomega’s Yo Men are the newest, coolest way to play and display yo-yos and favorite Star Wars characters. Yomega Yo Men come with a Star Wars Yomega Fireball yo-yo cradled in a highly detailed Yo Men Action Stand sculpted in the character’s likeness. (MSRP: $19.95; Recommended for ages 8 & up)
Yomega® Brain™: Celebrating 30 years young in 2014, the iconic Yomega Brain brought a love of yo-yoing to thousands. When you throw the Yomega Brain, the yo-yo’s clutch system opens to enable it to “sleep” and then closes to force the yo-yo to come back up. Even if you’ve never played with a yo-yo, you’ll get it right every time! (MSRP: $10.99; Recommended for ages 8 & up; Available in blue, green and orange)
Yomega Spectrum: A yo-yo with a kaleidoscope of light and fun with LED lights that make the yo-yo burst with color. (MSRP: $10.99; Recommended for ages 8 & up)
Yomega Corp. is a global manufacturer of finely engineered yo-yos and skill toys. Yomega’s “Yo to Pro” system is designed to introduce the fun of yo-yoing to new players, and provide them with progressive products as they develop their skills. Yomega also has a well-earned reputation of designing innovative high performance yo-yos for advanced and pro yo-yoers that gives them an edge in the competitive arena. Yomega has been at the forefront of the Kendama craze, with its basic Kendama and wooden high-performance Kendama Pro.
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http://www.yomega.com
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@yomegacorp
Lucasfilm, STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.
Audrey DeSimone, Yomega Corp., 508-446-6816, [email protected]
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