Age, what year were you born?
Describe where you grew up. I’m 14 years old, I was born on September 22, 2005. I am blessed to live as a military child, which means I grew up,lived, and traveled all around the world. I lived in Okinawa, Japan for most of my life. Spending time there at Japanese schools, I learned how to speak the language, but I have forgotten much of it over the years. We then lived in San Diego for a year, where kendama was really popular.
Where are you currently living?
Chesapeake,Virginia
When were you first introduced to kendama?
Ever since Japan, I’ve known about kendama but I only started realizing how cool it was back in 6th grade, San Diego, mid 2016 when a kid named Gabe Miranda took one out after school, and landed a kenflip. I wasn’t really too interested back then, but then for my 11th birthday my mom bought me a classic green one from Amazon. I remember wondering why my mom got it because I never requested for one, but thankfully God gave me some great friends who showed me the basics, how fun and cool kendama actually was, and got me started. I would go to the Gunnzo kendama sessions (A local kendama shop in Old Town San Diego) with friends, and I always had such a great time.
How were you introduced to Sweets?
Late 2016 I was looking online for a new kendama on a website, (learnkendama.com) I saw cooper eddy land tightrope in one of the tutorials. He said that he was sponsored by sweetskendamas, so I went to the sweets website, and bought a Christian Fraser pro-mod, and a spectra homegrown. I always thought that the sweets kendamas were so much different than the other companies. The great designs and the cushion clear paint made them so much easier to land tricks.
What’s your full name?
Jacob Ezra Superman Eames. I don’t normally mention my middle name to others because I feel like it’s kinda weird having it being Superman. But my parents say that it’s cool. Same for my siblings, Wonder Woman for my younger sister, Mr. Incredible for my younger brother.
What players did you look up to / inspired you at the beginning and now.
When I was younger definitely Cooper Eddy, Gavin Harvey, and Dylan Westmoreland, especially Dylan because he was humble and approachable and took time to sesh with us younger kids. Now I’d say Micah Segura, Zack and Nick Gallagher, Johnny Kress, Ben Herald, Rui Sora, and Josh Kim.
Who are currently your favorite players?
Micah Segura. I can honestly say that Micah Segura is the most encouraging kendama player. Not only that but his tricks and editing skills are clean and unreal. His Instagram series are relatable and always great to see. I really can’t wait to go back to Hawaii and see him again. Rui Sora (Japanese kendama player) because he is such a good and funny kendama player. I met him at NAKO and got to talk to him. His English is really good, and he pops off in freestyle. I got to play him in a game of ken, and since we have such similar play styles it was a fun match. The Gallagher twins because they are the best kendama players in the world. Every time I see their posts I always get excited. They inspire me to be a better kendama player, and always land the best tricks. Josh Kim because he is an encouraging Christian kendama player, that not only helps me expand my kendama tricks, but helps me expand my relationship with God. And because he’s good at goon circles.
Favorite competition?
I’ve only been to one Major competition, and that’s NAKO. I was super blessed to make it there, and perform so well, especially because I was really sick during NAKO. I made so many great memories there and I got to meet some of my biggest inspirations! I could honestly say that I had the best time of my life there.
What’s your favorite style of play?
Casual, the grind for a banger, freestyle, competition? I would say casual because you don’t have anything to stress about. You could just play kendama and hang out with friends.
What trick was the most satisfying grind? / took the longest to lace and film?
Probably my triple inward tap, or my triple naughty stilt backflip. They both took a couple days to land, I’d say 5 hours of filming for both.
Favorite edits?
Japan2016-sweetskendamas-world champs, Johnny Kress-newest sweetskendamas team member, the Nick and Zack - a kendama documentary. And of course fringecase.
Favorite wood setup?
Maple ken with a beech tama.
Cushion or sticky clear?
Cushion, because it’s good for every single trick
How many kendamas do you own?
Around 30. I would have had almost 100 if I didn't give so many away.
What has been your favorite kendama trip?
NAKO 2019. I was super blessed to make it there, and perform so well, especially because I was really sick during NAKO. I made so many great memories there and I got to meet some of my biggest inspirations!
Bad habits?
Biting my fingers… and not doing my devotions consistently.
Where do you want to go with kendama?
Like places. I would love to go back to Japan again but this time for kendama competitions such as the Kendama World Cup. I would also love to go visit Australia and see the kendama players there.
What are some of your other passions besides kendama?
Tennis, table tennis, youth group with my church, and mobile fortnite.
