• 3 DAYS FULL OF KENDAMA!

• Open style competition for every skill level.

• World class Freestyle competition.

• Kendama vendors from around the world.

• Workshops for kendama & kendama related skills.

• Video premiers from your favorite kendama brands.

• Mini Games & side activities throughout the weekend.

• Raffles & giveaways.

• EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND!

• Kendama players of all ages and skill levels can compete NAKO!

• Players under 16 require a parent or guardian at the event.

• Players under 18 will not be able to book a hotel room and will need parent or guardian present.

• Keep an eye on our Instagram at instagram.com/NAKendamaOpen or check back here for all important updates.

• A precise schedule will not be available until closer to the event date.

• There will be competition and events from roughly 10am - 10pm Friday, Saturday, & Sunday

• We suggest flying in Thursday night and out Monday morning to experience everything

• NAKO is the North American Kendama Open, previously the Minnesota Kendama Open. One of the largest annual kendama competitions in the world.

• The Crowne Plaza West is 23 miles from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, the hotel does not offer a shuttle but ride share services like Uber or Lyft are readily available.

• This year all 3 days of competition are taking place at 1 venue which once you get to the hotel you will not need additional travel to attend NAKO activities.

• Sweets Kendamas Headquarters will be closed to the public Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. 

• Historically we have opened our doors the Thursday before NAKO to anyone traveling to Minneapolis. Due to the prep that is required to make NAKO awesome, we will not be hosting a Pre-Jam at Sweets HQ this year.

• Sweets Kendamas is 16 miles from the Crowne Plaza West and 15 miles from MSP.

We normally drop the tricks around a month before the competition! If you are unsure what level to register for, take a look at last-years tricks for a good reference point.

Ken-tegrity is key in any kendama competition, and competing at the right level is a major part in that.

Take a look at the trick lists and give them a try. If you can land all the tricks in a list 1st or 2nd try, go up to the next level and see how you do.
Generally we say if you can land 75% of the tricks in a certain level then that is the one for you, because you still have time to practice those final tricks and level up your skill.

If you are still unsure, connecting with a Kentei certified instructor is very helpful. You can also reach out to friends and other players competing who know your skills for advice.