The Craftsman’s Journey to Creating the Best Hakata Koma Spinning Tops
“I want to create the world's best spinning top.”
This is the motto of Chikushi Shuraku, the third-generation master of the Hakata koma family. As both a performer and craftsman, he creates koma (spinning tops) for acrobatic performances. The Hakata koma is captivating due to its intricate craftsmanship and beauty. We had the chance to ask him how he honed his skills.
The Career of a Craftsman
Q. Could you tell us about your career?
I was born into the Hakata koma family, which has a long tradition of not only making koma but also performing acrobatics with them. I made my first public appearance at the age of 3 during an unveiling event, appeared on stage for the first time at 10, and started crafting koma at around 12. Now, 37 years have passed since I began this journey. In the world of Hakata koma, it’s believed that "a performer makes their own koma" so I’ve always crafted my own. However, my path as a Hakata koma master hasn’t always been straightforward.
Q. So you both make koma and perform acrobatics? What challenges did you face?
As a teenager, I struggled with the idea of taking over the family tradition. My mother was the second-generation Chikushi Shuraku, and I felt somewhat pressured to step into the role of the third-generation master. At that time, I wanted to live my life freely—I dreamed of becoming a photographer, so I resisted the idea of inheriting the family craft. However, when I was 17, I decided to study entertainment abroad in the U.S. This experience had a profound impact on my career.
Living in the U.S. for 3 to 4 years gave me a new perspective on Japan. I began to appreciate the beauty, precision, and spirituality of Japanese entertainment and traditional culture. In Japan, there’s a belief in Yaoyorozu no Kami (countless deities) and the idea that each tool a craftsman uses has a soul. This spirituality, along with our traditional culture, is something to be proud of. I realized that I had the opportunity to share this with the world as a koma master.
Q. So leaving Japan helped you rediscover your appreciation for traditional culture?
Exactly. After returning from the U.S., I found it much easier to embrace my role as the third-generation master of Hakata koma. Going abroad allowed me to see the value in what I had been conflicted about during my youth. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to sharing the charm of Hakata koma through both my performances and craftsmanship.
What is Hakata Koma?
Q. Could you tell us about the origins of Hakata Koma?
Hakata koma began about 480 years ago when children's koma games evolved into acrobatic performances. While koma existed in many parts of Japan, it was in Hakata that it developed into a performance art. The art of koma eventually spread throughout Japan, reaching as far as Edo (now Tokyo). Back then, only a select few nobles had surnames, but koma was recognized as a legitimate performing art, and performers (koma-shi) were even given surnames. Koma performances have been showcased to emperors, shoguns, at the Paris World Exposition, and even for Queen Elizabeth of England and U.S. Presidents, gaining global recognition.
Q. Koma performances gained worldwide recognition! But I heard that the art of koma almost disappeared at one point. Is that true?
Yes, despite its 480-year history, Hakata koma nearly vanished at one point. While the art was passed down in other regions, it sometimes morphed into a magic trick-like performance. It was my grandfather, Chikushi Shuraku, who revived and redefined the art as Hakata koma. He focused on 23 types of koma performances that rely purely on technique, without tricks, emphasizing the precision and beauty of the koma.
Q. So your grandfather redefined Hakata koma. What makes Hakata koma special?
In Hakata koma acrobatics, there’s a principle: the koma is the star of the show, and the performer plays a supporting role. Our job as performers is to highlight the beauty of the spinning top—its form, its poised stance, and its mesmerizing presence. To achieve this, the koma itself must be perfect. Normally, in traditional crafts, the makers and performers are different people, but in Hakata koma, the maker and performer are one and the same. This ensures that the koma is crafted to perform flawlessly on stage. The connection between being a top-tier craftsman and a first-rate performer is deeply intertwined.
Crafting Hakata Koma
Q. What do you prioritize when making koma?
I focus on creating “the most precise spinning koma in the world.” Even the slightest imbalance in the shape of the koma or the angle of the core bar can cause it to wobble while spinning. If everything is perfectly aligned, the koma appears so stable that it almost seems to be standing still. When we perform on stage, we add special decorations to the spinning top so the audience can see it’s spinning. A koma made by a master craftsman can spin for over 10 minutes, showcasing its precision and craftsmanship.
Q. Beyond making koma that spin well, what else do you focus on?
We aim to create a koma that exudes a sense of presence just by being there. A truly exceptional piece of traditional Japanese craftsmanship has an aura that can be felt even when it’s simply displayed. To achieve this, every millimeter matters. If you settle for “good enough,” you’ll never create a koma that truly stands out. Paying attention to even the smallest details is the key to success. I’m committed to making koma that I’m truly proud of—without any compromises.
Future Plans as a Craftsman and Performer
Q. What are your plans for the future as Craftsman?
As a craftsman, I want to continue improving my skills in making koma. Although I’ve never compromised in my work, I believe I can still improve. My goal is to create koma that can be cherished for decades. In fact, Hakata koma made 20 to 30 years ago still look as beautiful as new today. To achieve this level of quality, I have to push myself every day to surpass my current abilities. When I compare my koma to those made by my predecessors, I realize that their koma spin longer, even though they look nearly identical. The difference lies in the finer details.
Q. You’re constantly working to improve! What are your thoughts on the future of acrobatic performances?
As a traditional performing art, I want to share the beauty of Hakata koma with as many people as possible. Hakata koma performances are filled with the spirit of Japanese culture. I want audiences to experience the dynamic nature and elegance of the spinning tops as they continue to rotate while everything else, including time, seems to stand still. In fact, some people have been moved to tears while watching a Hakata koma performance. The combination of intense human concentration and the refined atmosphere on stage resonates deeply with the audience.
I also want to continue exploring the charm of Hakata koma. Currently, there are 23 types of Hakata koma, but I’d like to add new styles and pass them on to the next generation. By preserving our traditions while also embracing modern challenges, we can ensure that this art continues to thrive in the future and delight audiences around the world.
A Message to Hakata Koma Customers
Q. What message would you like to share with customers?
Each Hakata koma is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail. Even if you eventually tire of playing with it, I hope you’ll keep it for many years. The beauty of Hakata koma remains even after decades, and it can create a dignified atmosphere just by being displayed. Additionally, since koma is believed to ward off bad luck, I recommend keeping one in your home as a good-luck charm. If your koma becomes worn, you can send it to our workshop, and we’ll restore it with a fresh coat of paint.
Request a Hakata Koma Spinning Top Performance
The craftsman who makes Hakata koma also performs acrobatic shows with them. We perform worldwide, so if you have the chance, please come see us live. If you’re interested in booking a performance, please contact us using the inquiry form below.
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