HEAD TO HEAD
Cuju vs Kemari
c. 300 BC – 1600s AD
ERA
Traditional
China
ORIGIN
Japan (c. 644 AD)
Varies (2–32)
PLAYERS
6 to 8 on court
Leather ball, high net
EQUIPMENT
Mari (leather ball)
Varies (walled court)
PLAYING AREA
Kikudani (~6–7 m sq)
Varies
DURATION
No fixed limit
None
GOVERNING BODY
Kemari Hozonkai
No
OLYMPIC
No
Different Similar
CUJU IN ONE LINE
Cuju is an ancient Chinese ball game recognized by FIFA as an early form of association football. Players kicked a leather ball through an elevated net opening without using their hands.
KEMARI IN ONE LINE
Kemari is a traditional Japanese non-competitive ball game in which players work together to keep a leather ball in the air without using their hands. Originating in the 7th century, it emphasizes grace, etiquette, and cooperation rather than scoring points.
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