Kemari
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.
AT A GLANCE
- ERA
- Traditional
- ORIGIN
- Japan (c. 644 AD)
- PLAYERS
- 6 to 8 on court
- EQUIPMENT
- Mari (leather ball)
- PLAYING AREA
- Kikudani (~6–7 m sq)
- DURATION
- No fixed limit
- GOVERNING BODY
- Kemari Hozonkai
- OLYMPIC
- No
Key Aspects of Kemari
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | Keep the ball (Mari) in the air cooperatively |
| Allowed Body Parts | Feet, knees, and elbows (hands strictly prohibited) |
| Court Setup | Square area (Kikudani) traditionally marked by 4 corner trees |
| Scoring | None; non-competitive focused on fluidity and etiquette |
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 644 AD | First written record in Nihon Shoki describing a match in Asuka |
| 794–1185 | Flourishes as a popular pastime among Heian court aristocrats |
| 1185–1333 | Spreads widely among the samurai class during Kamakura period |
| 1903 | Kemari Hozonkai founded by Emperor Meiji to preserve the art |
How a game works
Eight players stand in a square court called a kikudani, traditionally framed by four corner trees: cherry, willow, maple, and pine. Players kick a hollow deer-hide ball (mari) to keep it aloft using their feet, knees, and elbows. The emphasis is on making smooth, readable passes to fellow participants.
Scoring in one line
Kemari has no winners, losers, or points system, focusing entirely on cooperative effort.
Where it came from
Kemari was adapted from the Chinese ball game cuju during the Asuka period. Its earliest recorded instance appears in the Nihon Shoki, describing Prince Naka no Ōe playing in 644 AD. It became an essential ceremonial skill for Japanese court nobles during the Heian period.
Kemari today
Kemari is preserved as a cultural performing art and religious custom rather than a competitive sport. The Kemari Hozonkai demonstrates traditional matches during annual festivals at Shinto shrines, including Kyoto's Shimogamo Shrine and Shiramine Shrine, with participants wearing historical court attire.
Run a Kemari tournament
Brackets, fixtures and standings in your browser — Variable duration.
FAQ
How do you win at Kemari?
You cannot win at Kemari because it is completely non-competitive. The objective is simply for players to collaborate and keep the ball from touching the ground.
What is the Kemari ball made of?
The ball, known as a mari, is crafted from hollowed deer hide sewn together with horsehide thread and coated with egg whites or leather polish.
Is Kemari related to modern soccer?
Kemari shares ancient roots with cuju, an early predecessor of football, but developed independently in Japan into a non-competitive ceremonial pastime.