GT + JAC - "SIDE B" Teodore Fiorina Keyaki Pro Model

KEYAKI is a legendary wood type that has been celebrated in the kendama culture for generations. Keyaki has a dynamic beautiful wavy grain with bright but calm color. Keyaki is also one of the most fragrant woods used in kendama. A true multi sensory experience.

GT x JAC
JAC Kendama is a Japanese kendama brand headed by the one and only NOB Komoto. ( 430 NOB ). JAC is known for its unique shapes as well as their use of specialty woods. Recently JAC created the M.L.G.S. or the Micro Line Grip System. A texture applied to areas of the kendama consisting of tightly spaced gooves. These groves assist with quick break, extra grip for tricks, and extra grip in your hand.

THE SHAPE
For this shape we started with the Teodore Fiorina Pro shape. Throughout the production elements of the JAC style were incorporated into the GT shape. The thin crisp spike and elongated tip were introduced to the GT-TF shape creating a hybrid of both of the brands. You will also notice there is no string hole in the sword of this ken. This is the way kendamas are made in Japan outside of the JKA's control.

SIDE A / SIDE B DESIGN
The design of this kendama was inspired by Kaito's love of hip hop and the MLGS grooves resembling the grooves of a vinyl record. Each record has 2 sides. Side A and Side B. For this project we split the batch into 2 sides. Side A to be released in Japan and Side B to be released in the USA. Each side has slight differences in the graphic design. Side B features the custom GT + JAC logo with the Japanese word for "PRODUCTIONS" underneath. The running time for the record is 4:30 representing NOB and his work with the famous 430 brand in TOKYO. Side A also has the custom JAC + GT logo on top but this time the word "RECORDS" is below. The running time of the record is 4:15 this number is a not to San Francisco and the 415 area code where GT was founded. Each side representing the brand in the other country.

This project was made possible by
NOB - Producer
Jake Wiens - Director
Aventiss - Designer
Teodore Fiorina - Shape consultant and pro player
Kaito Nakajima - concept inspiration and style

Each piece includes the new GT-TF kendama bag, stickers, and string and bead.