Kemari is an ancient Japanese sport that holds a unique place in the country’s cultural and historical legacy. Unlike many modern sports, kemari was never a competitive game but rather a cooperative and ceremonial activity, deeply rooted in Japanese court culture and spirituality. Originating over a thousand years ago, kemari was played by nobles, aristocrats, and even emperors, and its legacy continues to this day in Shinto rituals and traditio
Origins o
Kemari is believed to have been introduced to Japan from China during the Asuka period (538–710 AD), a time of significant cultural importation from the Asian mainland. The game shares similarities with the Chinese sport cuj, which is co
The word “kemari” is composed of two parts: “ke” (kick) and “mari” (a deerskin ball). The objective of kemari is simple—to keep the ball in the air as long as possible using any part of the body except the hands. Unlike most ball games, kemari is non-competitive. Players work together to keep the ball aloft, reflecting the Japanese values of cooperation and
Kemari became popular among the Japanese aristocracy during the Heian period (794–1185 AD), particularly at the imperial court in Kyoto. It was embraced as a pastime that demonstrated both physical skill and refined manners. Members of the noble class, including court officials and even emperors, played kemari during formal gatherings and seasonal festivals.
Players wore traditional court costumes—flowing silk robes known as kariginu, along with stiff caps called eboshi. The playing field, called a kentei, was often a square area marked out with trees at the corners, symbolizing the connection to nature and Shinto beliefs. Matches were sometimes accompanied by music and poetry, further illustrating the game's connection to the aesthetics of Japanese high culture. shutdown123