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Kemari: Japan’s Ancient Ball Game

Festivals Sports Kyoto Kansai
Kemari: Japan’s Ancient Ball Game

People in Kyoto are reenacting an ancient type of Japanese football that was played by nobles centuries ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16OFIipdUSs

While most of Tokyo is talking about the Olympics, others are kicking it old school by playing an ancient type of Japanese football called Kemari. Kemari is said to have come from China 14 centuries ago. Participants use only their right foot to keep the ball from hitting the ground. Think you can be the next Kemari all-star?