The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles is excited to invite a young Japanese Kendama Master, Akira Tajima, to do performances and workshops in various parts of the US. In San Diego and Los Angeles, he will collaborate with his American colleague Jake Wiens (Kendama USA) from San Francisco.
Incredible Performances
Fun for Everyone
All Events are FREE!!
Kendama Enthusiasts, Bring Your Own Kendama
to Show Off Your Skill & Learn New Tricks!
LOOK at Their Fabulous Performances!!
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AKIRA performed at Kendama World Cup 2014
AKIRA performed at Toy Show
Kendama USA Presents - SLIP - Featuring Jake Wiens
Jake Wiens, KAMEYO, and the Ozora Sakura
1 - 4pm
Kite Flite (in Seaport Village)
(849 W. Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101)
Click Here for Store Information
w/ Special Guest: Daniel Robinson & Jake Wiens
5 - 8pm
GUNNZO San Diego
(2445 Juan St., San Diego, CA 92110)
Click Here for Store Information
w/ Special Guest: Daniel Robinson & Jake Wiens
All Events are FREE
No Reservation Required
11:30am - 4pm
The Venice Beach Boardwalk
w/ Special Guest: Daniel Robinson & Jake Wiens
6 - 8pm
UNIQLO Santa Monica Place
(395 Santa Monica Place, #232 , Santa Monica, CA 90401)
w/ Special Guest: Daniel Robinson & Jake Wiens
All Events are FREE
No Reservation Required
11am - 2pm
Japanese Village Plaza, Little Tokyo
(Plaza in front of Nijiya Market)
w/ Special Guest: Daniel Robinson & Jake Wiens
3 - 5:30pm
"Grooves n' Kendama"
iam8bit Gallery
(2147 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026)
An afternoon of Kendama demonstrations (AKIRA & Jake)
& dublab DJ's (Hashim B & Juke Bounce Werk)
Japanese EDM, Electronica, Pops!!
All Ages Welcome!!
FREE Drinks
FREE Admission
Co-Presented by dublab
Drink Sposored by Nanbu Bijin - Southern Beauty
All Events are FREE
No Reservation Required
Akira Tajima (AKIRA 6th dan)
When he was 9 years old, Akira enrolled in a local kendama class and had his first real taste of competitive kendama. Since then, he has gone on to win at many competitions such as the All Japan Competition. He has also risen to the highest 6th dan ranking of kendama competitors.
Akira is also active in street kendama, which has been gaining popularity recently, and has traveled to the original country of street style, America, as well as Denmark, Poland, Singapore, Vietnam, and other countries. There, using his experience performing at local competitions, he has been the center of attention with his acrobatic shows brimming with originality. Be sure to feast your eyes on a combination of both his delicate control and dynamic technique!
In addition to his performances set to music, he has held over 100 kendama workshops at shopping malls, education facilities (schools, kindergartens, children’s houses), nursing homes, and more. He is also famous for his role as supervisor for the “Kendama Street Style” How to DVD.
Jake Wiens (Kendama USA)
Born in Tennessee on April 13, 1983 and raised, living in San Francisco. Started playing Kendama in 2009. Started The Kengarden in August 2010. Tribute Kendama Team Member / Manager 2012.
Advanced Champiion - Dave Mateo Challenge 2010, 1st Place BKA video Battle
Advanced Champion - AUG 2010, Kengarden Battle BEST OVERALL - Kensession Stand - Sara Grip Battle, 1st Place Best Trick - The Uprising - Sacramento CA, 6th place Gloken Photo Contest
Daniel Robinson
He has been an avid Kendama player since August 2010. Over the past six years, he has participated in numerous competitions and workshops to further progress the game of Kendama world wide. Additionally, Daniel spent nearly three years working behind the scenes as both a professional player and main operator of a Kendama company based out of Denver, CO. Originally from Spokane, WA, Daniel (aka D Rob) has spent countless hours volunteering at after school programs, filming edits and various tricks, performing at schools and other venues, and spreading the game of Kendama in his local area and online. With three years of professional experience and six total years of play, you are sure to learn a new trick or two from Daniel! 1st Place - 7 to Spike - Tacoma Takeover 2, 2nd Place - Sweets Stringless Contest, 11th Place - Kendama World Cup 2014
5700 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90036-
jflainfo@jpf.go.jp
323.761.7510
