In a land where teamwork is everything, this is Japan's only home-grown team sport.

OBJECTIVE: Keep the ball in the air. Kemari is completely cooperative. There are no winners and no Western-style competition.

RULES: players may use any part of their body except their arms and hands – their feet, knees, back, or head – to keep the ball aloft.

EQUIPMENT: The ball – called mari - is made of deerskin and stuffed with barley grains.

UNIFORMS: brightly colored traditional court attire from the Asuka age, including the crow hat.

PLAYING SPACE: 6-8 square meters of flat ground.

WHERE TO FIND KEMARI: at Shinto shrines, usually played during festivals.

ORIGIN: China. Kemari was introduced to Japan around 600 CE.

CONCLUSION: Kemari is an elaborate, ancient form of hacky sack!

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Category: Travel

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