Kemari

The object of the game is to use multiple players’ synchronized actions to maintain the ball in the air. In addition to using their heads, feet, knees, and backs, players can occasionally use their shoulders. The “mari” ball is composed of deer hide, which has skin on the exterior and fur on the interior. The round shape of the ball is due to the utilization of barley grains. The grains are taken out, and the ball is stitched together using strips of horsehide once the hide has hardened and taken on shape.
