Ozora Kendama Original Generation OG Red - Rare!

This is a new, unopened, mint condition, Ozora OG Red Kendama in original Japanese packaging. This is a rare Ozora 'original generation' OG kendama.

While it is not in the white packaging associated with the OG models (see below why this is), this is a pre 2011 original generation "OG" Ozora. The OG red is almost identical in colour to the new red, it is very hard to tell them apart. The OG Red is very slightly paler in colour. One key indicator that it is an OG is that there is no white primer visible on the edge of the hole. We do not know if the paint composition changed.

Because red continued to be produced, it is not as rare as the Marine Blue, Sky Blue or Pink, and this is reflected in the asking price.

Background

The Ozora OG (Original Generation) kendama were made using a slightly different paint to the currently produced Ozora. Around 2011 the OG paints were withdrawn due to new safety requirements (primarily in the USA) and were replaced with new paints. Most OG kendama had been supplied in WHITE packaging. However, around the time the OG paints were phased out, the new BLACK Ozora packaging was introduced, and there was a brief period of transition when the OG kendama were supplied in the new BLACK packaging.

How did kendama-world get these?

Sometime around 2011 we ordered many cases of each of the OG colours. When we received them the OG kendama (Sky Blue, Marine Blue and Red) were packaged in the new black packaging. During a recent tidy-up of our warehouse, we unexpectedly found a case of these OG Ozoras in red, Sky Blue and Marine Blue. Very limited stock.

How can you tell these are OG?

From the colour itself, not the packaging! On the internet there have been claims that the OG Ozora could only come in the old style white packaging. This is not true - our understanding is that some OG Sky Blue, OG Marine Blue and OG Red colours were supplied for a brief period in the black packaging. This was certainly our experience! When the OG colours were discontinued, the new colours that replaced them were renamed and they look look quite different. To illustrate this we have taken a photograph of the OG Marine Blue Kendama in the BLACK packaging that you are buying (on the left) next to the new Dark blue Ozora (on the right). The Marine Blue OG Ozora is quite a different shade of blue - it is lighter in colour. This Marine Blue colour was only ever made with OG paint.

Why would I want an OG Ozora?

OG Ozora are no longer produced and are increasingly rare, making them popular with kendama collectors. Ozora OG kendama are also highly sought after because a lot of experienced kendama players prefer the OG paint, which is said to feel more sticky than the new paint on current solid colour Ozoras.

Brand new, in the original unopened sealed packaging. As far as we can tell (without opening the sealed package) the kendama is in perfect condition.

All photos were taken by us. 

Notes: Kendama will suffer wear during play. The paint will chip. The wood may chip and crack. The string will wear out and may break. This is normal wear and tear and is not covered by any warranty. Spare strings can be purchased through our web site.

Not suitable for children under 14.

One of the photos shows the OG Red Ozora next to the new Red Ozora kendama.

Colour: Red

Specifications:
Weight: 136 g
Ball weight: 72g
Ball diameter: 60mm
Height including ball: 185mm approx
Stem height: 160mm approx
Not suitable for children under 12 years.

Kendama will suffer wear during play. The paint will chip. The wood may chip and crack. The string will wear out and may break. This is normal wear and tear and is not covered by any warranty.

Shipping costs: based on weight and location. Calculated at the checkout before you pay.
Shipping times: we aim to ship within one working day of receipt of payment.
Please see our FAQs for more information on shipping, prices, payment, currencies etc.

This is the pre 2011 original model. It is not in the white packaging. If you are wondering if these are  "OG" (Original Generation) Ozora, we do not know the answer for certain. Ozora changed the packaging some time before they introduced the new paints and colours in 2011. So we are guessing that this means these are the same OG kendama but repackaged. We are not privy to the internal goings-on at Ozora so cannot be sure. We do not know if the paint composition has changed.