Kemari

Kemari was a game in which a leather ball was knocked about using their feet, knees, shoulders and head, their arms folded behind their backs. Ashes and Steel, by Rich Wulf A circle of players attempted to keep a large leather ball in the air as long as possible without using their hands. Secrets of the Mantis, p. 43 The game was introduced by the Shinjo. It was played in full courtly dress, kimonos and peaked black caps. There was no particular function to kemarl; it simply passed time and kept the players fit. Winter Court: Kyuden Kakita, p. 65 Many players found that maintaining one's dignity during a game as much of a challenge as keeping the ball in the air, a subtle metaphor for the complex life of a samurai. Legend of the Five Rings; Third Edition, p. 32
== Winter Court Game ==
Kemari was a relatively recent innovation, introduced at Rokugan by the Shinjo family in the early 12th century. Art of the Duel, p. 18 It was played during winter court. In 1125 Shinjo Yasamura was the undisputed champion of this game in winter court at Kyuden Kakita. 
== See also ==
* Kemari/Meta
Category:Rokugani Language
Category:Games