Kemari (Ancient football game of the Imperial Court)
Kemari is an old Japanese ball game. People play it with a ball called a mari. Long ago, the game came to Japan from China.
Kemari is not about winning or losing. Everyone works together to keep the ball in the air. Eight players stand in a circle and kick the ball to each other so it stays in the air. As they play, they call out fun words like “Ari,” “Yaa,” and “Ou.” These words come from the names of special ball spirits that people long ago believed in.
People who play kemari are called “mariashi.” They wear colorful clothes with different patterns. Long ago, the colors and patterns showed their social status.
Kemari is played in a special yard called a “mariniwa.” It is a square area inside the palace grounds, with four trees at the corners: a pine, a cherry, a willow, and a maple.
Before starting kemari, there are important rules to follow, such as entering from the right place, checking the condition of the ball, and preparing with special manners. When kicking, players keep their upper body still and move their legs slowly—right, left, right—then skillfully kick the ball up with the right foot.
Kemari became popular among both samurai and townspeople during the Heian period, and it is mentioned in many books and plays. At one time, people stopped playing it, but in the Meiji period, the Kemari Preservation Society was created, and the tradition continues even today.
During special exhibitions held in spring and autumn at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, kemari is performed for visitors.
The ball is made from deer skin. It is about 20 centimeters in diameter and weighs around 120 grams.
