No one can tell you what Kendama is...
Show Image
ACtualllly... the mechanics of these obsessions are always the same..
it's known as Escapism through extreme focus.
When you watch a movie, practice typing, practice sports.. drink alcohol
The motivations are the same.. to escape the tedium of daily life, and the constant signs that life and living is repetitive.
Through utilizing extreme focus.... look at how the player described it in the video.. "the time when the ball is in the air, and you make the hook, it's like nothing else matters, time slows down, and when the ball catches, you're back to reality". -paraphrase
This is essentially the mildest form of drug addiction / dependence.. Only it's less likely to spiral out of control, because well "it's mild"...
So if we look at the pathway more simply.. it starts as a "state of urgency", you force yourself into a state of alert, "it's imperative" that you get the ball on the stick... this takes you into the NOW, and away from all other thoughts, (some of which) may be more important/pressing..
Then, when the ball clicks, it's a moment of elation, a reward system that you give yourself, a shot of serotonin.. a RELIEF...
So. in summary.. what is kendama, an escape, how does it reward, by causing you short term stress, then instant elation.
SAME mechanic as video games sans computer and (Trichotillomania), hahaha
I'm not here to argue whether the Kendama practice may be beneficial or useless or fun or anything else..
but you can not deny that there is a concrete answer to WHY do it.....